As change comes with the transition from summer to fall, changes are also pending at Kraisinger's Market in Mt. Pleasant.
Starting Monday, much of the on-site butchering will be discontinued at the business which opened its doors in the borough at its 112 Quarry St. location in 1937.
Proprietor Regis Kraisinger, 76, said he has opted to pare down the red meat and pork options long offered to customers at the deli and meat counter there.
“The climate is changing,” said Kraisinger in reference to the methods in which people shop, cook and prepare meals.
“Time has evolved from campfires to coal stoves, gas and electric stoves to the present day ways of using microwaves for cooking; outdoor grilling has also risen in popularity over the years for its convenience,” he said.
The pending change at the business also reflects that working families and busy households no longer demand the fresh cuts of beef and pork that used to keep customers lined up, he added.
“We have decided to move with the trend ... to move with the climate change,” Kraisinger said.
The focus of the family-owned business will shift to chicken products and freshly ground beef, as the market will not offer other red meats or pork cuts, he said.
“We will still offer the freshly ground hamburger that will be ground daily, homemade smoked sausages and sauerkraut, and we will continue to carry the cold, prepared deli items that you can purchase and take home to heat up,” Kraisinger said.
He added, the business will also continue operating its deli.
The deli will also offer an expanded selection of cheeses, along with homemade subs and frozen products.
“People will come in and say ‘I want one of everything,' and Kraisinger's deli has won the People's Choice award five years running from the Tribune-Review, so that should speak for itself,” said Jody Kraisinger, Kraisinger's wife. “Regis has turned his innovative ideas into success stories, and in doing so, Regis will now catch the new wave by launching this change of marketing.”
Business stands test of time
The market is the last remaining privately owned, small family store left in the borough.
“At one time, there were 60 small grocery stores in the town, but Kraisinger's Market has stood the test of time,” Regis Kraisinger said.
The original store was opened at 106 Quarry St. 90 years ago by Regis' father, James J. Kraisinger, he said.
“Everyone took care of their own neighborhoods,” Regis Kraisinger said.
Kraisinger's Market has kept many of the same employees through the years including longtime butcher Tom Watkins.
“Together they have amassed over 105 years of butchering experience,” Jody Kraisinger said.
She added the changes in butcher offerings will allow Regis Kraisinger and Watkins more time to enjoy interests outside of work.
“This change is going to give them both a chance to enjoy the change in the seasons,” Jody Kraisinger said.
Watkins is well known for his meat cutting expertise and his recipes, and he said now he will have extra time to enjoy both.
“I will now have time to try out even more recipes,” Watkins said. “I will also have more time to spend with my grandchildren and my wife.”
Regis Kraisinger said he has worked long hours for many years, and he will cut back on his time spent working at the store.
“I usually put in around 60 hours a week, but I plan to do more like 40 now,” he said.
The catering portion of the business will not be affected by the change, and King's Pointe Inc. will continue to offer its quality selections for functions of all sizes.
Regis Kraisinger and Watkins both said they anticipate the changes planned at the store, a move they feel will better suit the needs of their current clientele.
But both also stressed that they are not closing the business' doors, they are not changing the hours, and they are keeping all of their present employees.
“We are not closing — we are only changing a little,” Regis Kraisinger said. “People will still get the same quality, still get their same favorites from the deli and still be able to be greeted by our employees, all of whom are well known.”
Marilyn Forbes is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media.
