Photos Courtesy of READFIELD MEATS & DELI
Whether you’re trying to make an Insta-worthy charcuterie board or looking for the perfect main dish for the family Thanksgiving, there’s one place in town that will have everything you need. The infamous Readfield Meats & Deli boasts a bright red steer out front that is a landmarker standing on top of an old-school looking sign, which has drawn people in for decades producing continuous quality meat products and top notch customer service.
Located on Texas Avenue in Bryan, Readfield Meats & Deli has been in business since 1960. The family business was handed down to a set of three brothers from their Sicilian/American parents, John and Virginia Ruffino. Originally located in Downtown Bryan, the store moved to its present location in 1968 and ownership passed to Richard, Larry and Ronald Ruffino in 1970.
A lot has changed since John and Virginia first opened the original store, which was primarily a meat market. While still focusing on meat and high-end meat choices, the store now also offers a large selection of imported grocery items, a made to order deli and other groceries. Custom deer processing is also available during deer season, Richard says.
Throughout the years, the family philosophy has remained the same, focusing on caring for customers, offering top-notch quality food products and providing consistent service. As the business grew, so did the need for a second location and a division of the wholesale and retail services — and in 1983, Ruffino Meats and Food Services was opened.
Readfield Meats & Deli offers deli trays, a lunch menu and all the meat Readfield Meats & Deli owner credits personalized service for loyal customer base products imaginable for a variety of customers, whether they come in during their daily lunch break or are first time customers. The array of products may intimidate a novice shopper, but friendly customer service ensures that everyone can find the right cut of meat, the perfect seasoning or even the best cheese to pair with their choice of summer sausage.
To stay on top of market trends, the Ruffino brothers are active members of the Texas Association of Meat Processors and the Southwest Meat Association. In fact, Readfield regularly wins awards from the Processed Meats Product Show in recognition of its superior inhouse produced and smoked meat products.
“Well, not to be bragging or anything, I've talked to a lot of customers, and a lot of them thanked me for being here,” Richard says. “They love our products and they love our service — some of them wouldn't go anywhere else.”
Readfield Meats & Deli sees a great increase in business during the holidays and Richard says items from the store make great gifts, especially at Christmas time. The store also offers gift cards, which make easy and convenient gifts that can be used at any time.
“Probably very simply put, we take care of our customers,” Richard says. “We have top quality products here — our beef and pork at top grades and we custom cut it to our customer’s request — we give very personalized service.”
Readfield Meats and Deli is located at 2701 South Texas Avenue and is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. To learn more visit readfieldmeats. com or ruffinomeats.com.
