Sommers Sausage Shop: A Meat-Cutting Legacy with a Wild Side
For over four decades, Pat Sommers, owner of Sommers Sausage Shop in Crystal Falls, has been honing his craft in meat processing, from wild game to livestock.
His journey began in Grand Rapids at his father’s shop, Lewandowski’s Meat Market, where he learned the ropes of meat cutting right after high school. Though it wasn’t a career he initially saw for himself, Sommers has turned it into a lifelong passion.
Sommers, along with his wife Chris, a Crystal Falls native, purchased a small mom-and-pop grocery store in 1992. The store soon shifted its focus away from groceries to deli offerings and sausage-making, which has now become the heart of Sommers Sausage Shop.
Over the years, the shop gained a reputation for processing wild game, especially during bear and deer hunting seasons, attracting loyal customers who appreciate Sommers’ dedication to quality.
In addition to wild game, the shop also processes livestock like cattle, swine, and goats, and Sommers takes pride in ensuring each customer gets back exactly what they bring in.
His sausages, made with his own unique recipes, have a loyal following, and special orders can still be placed for old deli favorites.
With the bear season in full swing and the deer hunt just around the corner, the shop is busier than ever. Despite this, Sommers is eyeing retirement after 42 years in the business and has put his beloved shop up for sale.
Sommers Sausage Shop is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, though Sommers advises calling ahead before visiting.
To explore how traditional sausage-making and wild game processing can elevate your meat-based meals, visit our homepage.