Today we’d like to introduce you to Kent Wenzel.
Hi Kent, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Wenzel LoneStar Meat Co. was founded in Hamilton, Texas on February 16, 2003, in the spirit of the tradition begun by My father more than 25 years earlier. Owned and operated by Me, Wenzel, LoneStar Meat Co. is based on the principal of processing and retailing the finest quality meats and cheeses in Texas.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There’s not a smooth path to success. There’s only one way to get there. Hard work. When we first opened in 2003……. We had mounds of debt. Not the best way to start a business. But it was the only way we had to do it at the time. It wasn’t easy.
At first, you’re the new thing…… people love to try the new thing. But It doesn’t take long for the shiny to wear off on a new business. People are curious at first…. So things are good. Optimism is high! But then…..they return to their routines. You have to earn their repeat business. And that takes a while. You have to prove yourself…… make your mistakes and earn people’s trust.
We had many days where we only made $30-40. That’s terrifying. So we had to dig deep and work long hours. There was a time when we even had to sell off kitchen equipment just to stay open. When you have everything banking on something…. You do whatever you have to do. So…….. We split up and went to various outdoor and gun shows. Working long hours introducing our products…. Meats and cheeses to folks. And getting to know people. Being visible and having a great product is key. And oh those long hours. 16, 18…. 20-hour days.
I can’t really tell you when it took a turn. There wasn’t a defining moment where we thought ok…. We did it. We were all too busy working to notice. Just one day ya look up and your debt is paid off…. You have a great customer base…..not just customers…. Friends……. your product line has expanded and it’s strong….. and you have a chance to breathe just a little. But even then you don’t dare breathe for too long. Success never sleeps. Not ever. We are proud of what we do here. Not just myself….. everyone here takes pride in doing great things. You can taste that kinda pride in all our foods.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Wenzel LoneStar Meats is located at 209 N Bell St., just off the square in Hamilton, TX. Hamilton is about an hour n a half north of Austin….. highway 281 runs straight through town. Because of 281…. We get a lot of folks from Austin! Everyday! Many who make Wenzels a regular stop to and from home.
Wenzels is unlike any specialty market you’ve ever been to. Our business is built on Kent Wenzel’s personal and family recipes. There are several facets to our company. We offer meat processing….which can yield a wide variety of amazing products. From Bologna, Jerky, steaks, ground meat and specialty Wenzels sausages. We also process and smoke all of our meats and cheeses right here.
Our kitchen produces some of the most amazing pot pies and meatloaf….. Chicken Bow Tie Casserole…….. and other homemade, ready-to-cook and eat meals for your family. We also boast an amazing assortment of baked goods. Raisin-Oatmeal cookies, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip….. and our unforgettable Pecan Fudge Brownies.
In Hamilton…… our deli is very well known and a lunchtime staple. Every day folks line up for our made-to-order sandwiches. We have a wide assortment of delicious bread….. cheeses and deli meats. A lot of folks show up at lunch and enjoy their meal in our dining room. And of course, you can get em to go. Not only sandwiches…… but our massive Loaded Pork Brisket Baked Potato. And a big favorite every Friday and Saturday is our famous “Bite My Butt” Pork Butt Sandwich. Spicy or mild….. it’s amazing…..and It’s massive!
We also have a full gift shop and market….a full deli department that focuses on catering and custom deli and snack trays for special events. And we ship pretty much anywhere. So you don’t have to be in the Hill Country to enjoy Wenzels.
Let’s not forget one of our most important ingredients though……. Our people here at Wenzel’s. We have some amazing folks working here. Some have been here for 15 years. Their dedication to Wenzels….. and our customers is certainly one of the things that set us apart
How do you think about luck?
Eh…….. it depends on what you call luck. Being born at the right time…… being exposed to something at a young age that you would later become obsessed with? Is that luck? We don’t really feel like luck did us any favors. Just many years of hard work. Constantly trying to improve….. and better serve our customers….. improve our business, products and ourselves. If you’re not learning something new every day……. You might want to slow down. You’re missing something. And it’s not luck.
Contact Info:
- Email: wenzellonestarmeat@gmail.com
- Website: http://wenzellonestarmeat.com/
- Instagram: wenzellonestar
- Facebook: Wenzellonestarmeat
Image Credits
Carrie Honeycutt Ronnie Honeycutt Curtis Williams
