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The Stripling’s story<br />
dates back to over 50 years ago, when<br />
James Stripling opened Stripling’s Sausage<br />
Kitchen on his family farm in 1964. Growing<br />
up he had a hand in managing his family’s<br />
general store and this spawned his interest<br />
in the retail butchery business. It was here<br />
that he spent decades perfecting his sausage<br />
recipe – using only the freshest country<br />
sausage crafted from whole, hot hog – until<br />
the day came to open “The Sausage Kitchen”<br />
on the family farm.<br />
It wasn’t long before demand grew, and<br />
James’ business quickly expanded! What<br />
started as a simple butcher shop flourish<br />
ed into a little country store, offering<br />
travelers & locals alike a taste of James’<br />
famous sausage and a variety of other<br />
specialty goods.<br />
In 1978, James Stripling passed and<br />
the family faced the tough decision of<br />
continuing on with the store and James’<br />
sausage-making tradition, or farming the<br />
family’s land. James’ nephew, Jack Hardin<br />
and his eldest son, Ricky, rolled the dice<br />
and decided to continue on the tradition!<br />
And so the story goes, with very little<br />
knowledge, little cash and a lot of farming<br />
debt, the family continued on the sausagemaking<br />
tradition by moving the kitchen to<br />
Cordele, GA and, in James’ honor, changing<br />
the name to Stripling’s General Store!<br />
The Hardins learned quickly they had made<br />
the right decision, as Stripling’s sausage<br />
grew in popularity each day! Today it<br />
continues to serve as the backbone of the<br />
family business, which proudly<br />
produces over 300,000 pounds<br />
of Stripling’s Sausage a year!<br />
The offerings have continued<br />
to expand, with now a variety<br />
of flavors including mild,<br />
medium, hot, and jalapeno-cheese, and a<br />
well-received line of craft-made, peppery<br />
beef jerky! Just over 20 years in the making,<br />
Stripling’s Beef Jerky has become just as<br />
popular as Stripling’s Sausage and has even<br />
been recognized by Food & Wine Magazine!<br />
In addition to the premium butcher-shop,<br />
Stripling’s grocery line offers only the<br />
best in locally-made jams, jellies and<br />
sauces, as well as an array of sweets and<br />
snacks.<br />
With four locations across<br />
the state of Georgia<br />
(including one within the<br />
new Agricultural Village<br />
of Perry!), Stripling’s<br />
continues to serve the<br />
same time-tested recipes<br />
from 1964. Visitors can<br />
expect a one-stop-shop as each location<br />
houses a premium butcher shop, an array of<br />
ready-made sides, a hot bar, aisles of only<br />
the best in locally-made jams, jellies and<br />
44<br />
At Home in Houston County<br />
44-45 Striplings Article.indd 1 10/25/18 3:35 PM