About Us
You never sausage a place!
Stripling’s is an authentic, charming general store that boasts a full-service butcher shop, world famous sausage and jerky, and unique Southern specialties that you can only get in one place. We are a family-owned-and-operated business steeped in the traditions of the great people that made us a household name. Stripling’s has been providing a genuine taste of the South to regulars and visitors alike for over 50 years.
Our Story: A Legacy of Quality & Tradition
At Stripling’s, we always say our story began over 60 years ago—but in truth, it started much earlier with Monroe Stripling, a visionary entrepreneur. From running a working farm, fertilizer business, mercantile, and grocery store, Monroe built a foundation that would shape generations to come.
The Birth of a Southern Tradition
Monroe’s son, James Stripling, had a passion for fresh pork, leading him to develop the famous Stripling’s Sausage Recipe we still use today. In 1964, he opened a small butcher shop on the family farm, quickly earning the nickname "Sausage Kitchen." As demand grew, his shop expanded to include premium cuts of pork and beef.
After James’ passing in 1978, the family faced a choice—continue farming or preserve the Stripling’s tradition. Jack Hardin and his son Ricky made the bold decision to buy the Sausage Kitchen, despite having little knowledge, little cash, and a lot of farming debt. What they did have was James’ perfected blend of seasonings and a commitment to using whole hogs. Their dedication paid off—Stripling’s whole-hog country sausage remains a Southern favorite.
Growth, Innovation & Generational Commitment
In 1991, Stripling’s relocated just a few miles up the road to Cordele (Lake Blackshear), Georgia, expanding from 1,200 sq. ft. to 9,000 sq. ft.—a full-circle moment as Stripling’s Sausage Kitchen once again became a full-line general store. Alongside our legendary sausage, we introduced Southern specialty items like jams, jellies, sauces, and more.
In 1995, we took another bold step—Stripling’s Beef Jerky was born. Tender, moist, and packed with flavor, it quickly became as popular as our sausage. Today, Stripling’s Jerky is found in over 300 retail locations across the U.S.
By 2005, the third generation of Striplings—Ricky’s daughters, Lindsay and Ashley, along with his son-in-law, Clint—joined the business, deepening the family tradition. With their leadership, Stripling’s has continued to grow, now operating:
- Six locations (including two franchise locations and one licensed store)
- A thriving eCommerce business, shipping Stripling’s famous sausage and jerky nationwide
- A USDA-inspected processing facility has allowed us to scale to demand while maintaining the high standards that define Stripling’s and expanding wholesale capabilities across the U.S.