Doing things the way grandpa did puts Winesburg Meats in the winner's circle

Kevin Lynch, Wooster Daily Record

WINESBURG − The success enjoyed by Winesburg Meats at the recent Ohio Association of Meat Processors in Columbus goes back to the old-fashioned way things were done by the company founder Walter Pacula 65 years ago.

Third generation owner Anton Pacula collected four grand champion blue ribbons as well as four other awards during the product competition at the weekend conference Feb 15-17.

"It's been a few years since we competed because of COVID and all that," Pacula said. "With the transition in business and some health issues last year, it was nice getting back in the saddle and proving that we kind of got what it takes here.

Third generation owner of Winesburg Meats Anton Pacula displays drawings of his grandparents, Katherine and Walter Pacula, who started the award-winning meat store 65 years ago.
Third generation owner of Winesburg Meats Anton Pacula displays drawings of his grandparents, Katherine and Walter Pacula, who started the award-winning meat store 65 years ago.

65 years in the making

"The biggest thing is we won all of these awards making sausage the way grandpa made sausage," he continued. "Clean spices, no preservatives or artificial additives. Our recipes are 65 years in the making."

Winesburg Meats won the grand champion for its dutch loaf, beef brisket BBQ, small diameter smoked/cooked sausage and specialty class for smoked chickens.

Its bone-in ham won first place, while beef sticks, slab bacon and spicy sausage each earned red ribbons as reserved grand champions.

Pacula said he was honored to win and accept the awards to keep the family tradition going.

Winesburg Meats took home four blue ribbons and claimed four other awards from the Ohio Meat Processors Association competition for its various meat products, following the recipes founder Walter Pacula used 65 years ago.
Winesburg Meats took home four blue ribbons and claimed four other awards from the Ohio Meat Processors Association competition for its various meat products, following the recipes founder Walter Pacula used 65 years ago.

"My grandparents were a big part of who I am and how we do things here," he said. "And my dad was very successful for years as well."

Pacula said at the competition the judges look at the artistry that goes into making meats, how it is trimmed, how it was smoked.

"They actually cut it themselves and eat it to try it," he said. "Everything is part of the score in the evaluating process."

Winesburg Meats, 2181 US Route 62, Winesburg has been providing quality meats for 65 years.
Winesburg Meats, 2181 US Route 62, Winesburg has been providing quality meats for 65 years.

Gluten free without artificial preservatives

Winesburg Meats features gluten free products, made without artificial preservatives or flavorings.

"Everything is just meat and spices, the way our company started," Pacula added, noting it has been a challenge putting a great team together.

There are seven people working at Winesburg Meats, including four in manufacturing and three in the retail store.

"Everybody works well together, and they share my passion for what we're doing," he said. "Our retail people tell our customers who we are and what we do, and what sets us apart from all the competition.

"It was nice to be back on stage to collect these awards in front of all my peers," Pacula said. "There are 100 meat plants in the state of Ohio that belong to this organization. It's definitely a good feeling to be recognized."

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Winesburg Meats bring home gold from Ohio meat processor competition

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