Beloved Peoria Meat Market Returns to Its Original Location
After 18 years at Peoria’s Metro Centre, Pottstown Meat and Deli is heading back to its roots. The family-owned business will relocate to its original spot at 4217 West Southport Road in February.
Co-owner and manager Jason Barth shared the news on Facebook, emphasizing the sentimental value of the move. “It’s the place where I grew up watching my dad and Grandpa cut meat, and it’s the place where I hope my someday grandkids will watch me work,” Barth wrote.
A Longstanding Legacy in Peoria
Pottstown Meat and Deli has been a staple in Peoria since its founding in 1968. The business first operated from its Southport Road location, where it gained a loyal following for its high-quality meats and personalized service.
Barth’s parents, Bob and Katie, have been running the shop since 1992, focusing on smoked meats, sausages, and fresh deli products to stand out amid growing competition from grocery chains like Schnucks, Hy-Vee, and Walmart.
In 2006, Pottstown opened a second location at Metro Centre, which served as both a retail outlet and a production facility for their smoked meats. Though the retail side closed in 2008, the family continued producing their signature smoked products there during off-hours.
“We’ve been able to pull this off until now, but it’s not a sustainable way to operate,” Barth explained.
Preparing for the Transition
The decision to return to Southport Road is not just practical but deeply personal for Barth and his family. They hope the move will reconnect them with their roots and allow the business to operate more efficiently.
With the holiday season underway, Barth also wanted to ensure that loyal customers are informed about the transition.
“We wanted to put this out now, before the holiday gift card rush, in case anyone you may be gifting to isn’t able to make it to the Pottstown location,” he said.
As they prepare to settle back into their original home, the Pottstown Meat and Deli team looks forward to continuing their long tradition of serving Peoria with the same dedication that has spanned over a century.
Curious about how family-run meat markets like Pottstown Meat and Deli maintain their legacy? Visit our homepage for more stories on meat industry traditions.
