A Tradition Rooted in the South

In the heart of Georgia, Stripling's General Store stands as a testament to family tradition, quality craftsmanship, and Southern hospitality. Established in 1964 on the Stripling Family Farm in Warwick, Georgia, this family-owned and operated business has been providing a genuine taste of the South to regulars and visitors alike for over 60 years.

The roots of Stripling's trace back to Monroe Stripling, an entrepreneur who owned a working farm, fertilizer business, mercantile store, and, later, a grocery store. His son, James Stripling, managed the general store and had a passion for fresh pork, leading to the development of the famous Stripling’s sausage recipe still used today. In 1964, James opened his own store on the family farm, which quickly became known as the “Sausage Kitchen.” At the time, it was simply a butcher shop where he sold his sausage and fresh cuts of pork. As demand grew, so did his business by serving not only pork but beef as well.

The Legacy Lives On

After James's passing in 1978, Jack Hardin and his eldest son, Ricky, decided to buy the “Sausage Kitchen.” Despite having little knowledge, cash, and a lot of farming debt, they continued using whole hogs and James’ perfected blend of seasonings. Their commitment paid off, and Stripling’s whole hog country sausage became more popular than ever.

In 1991, the business moved to Cordele, Georgia, expanding from 1,200 sq. ft. to 9,000 sq. ft., becoming a full-line grocery store while keeping sausage as the backbone of operations. By then, Stripling’s was no longer just a local butcher shop but a destination for travelers seeking authentic Southern food and warm hospitality.

A Family Business with Heart

The family tradition deepened in 2005 as Ricky’s daughters, Lindsay and Ashley, and his son-in-law, Clint, joined Stripling’s full-time, marking the third generation to carry on the sausage tradition. Today, Stripling’s employs 100 people through their corporate stores and an additional 175 employees through their franchise locations. Through all the growth and changes, one thing has remained constant: the high quality of our products and service.

When you visit a Stripling's location, you’re not just buying food – you’re experiencing decades of tradition and care. This hands-on approach to running the business ensures that every product meets the high standards upon which the company was built.

What Makes Stripling’s Different?

What sets Stripling's apart is our commitment to quality and our dedication to preserving the art of traditional sausage making. Our sausage is crafted from fresh pork, always made the same day the hog is butchered. By grinding the meat just once and adding special seasonings by hand, we achieve a consistent texture and flavor unlike any manufactured sausage sold in a grocery store.

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond sausage. We offer a full-service butcher shop, world-famous jerky, and unique Southern specialties that you can only get in one place. Whether you’re stocking up on Southern meats and sausage for a weekend barbecue or grabbing snacks for the road, Stripling’s delivers the highest quality.

Our scaled-down approach allows us to pay incredibly close attention to the taste, appearance, and quality of each product batch. Everything at Stripling’s reflects the heart and soul of a family business, from fresh cuts of meat to homemade preserves and sauces. It’s a general store like no other, offering a blend of tradition and innovation.

A Destination Worth the Journey

For many travelers venturing through Georgia, stopping by Stripling’s General Store has become a treasured part of a road trip. With parents who fondly remember stopping there as children and new generations discovering its charm, Stripling’s has woven itself into the lives of our customers.

The warm, friendly atmosphere and the smell of freshly made sausage draw you in, but the quality of the food and the hospitality keep you coming back. From hunters stocking up on fresh Southern meats and sausage to families picking out jerky for the road, Stripling’s caters to everyone with an appreciation for fine Southern fare.

Building a Future on Strong Foundations

While we honor our past, we also embrace the future. With multiple locations and an ever-growing online presence, Stripling's is committed to bringing our signature sausage and other offerings to even more customers nationwide. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, we remain dedicated to providing a taste of tradition that’s uniquely Southern.

Through innovation and expansion, Stripling’s has never lost sight of its roots. Our commitment to using the finest ingredients and traditional methods ensures our customers receive only the best. It’s this unwavering dedication that keeps Stripling’s ahead of our competitors and makes it a cherished part of the community.

Experience the Heart of Stripling’s General Store

At the heart of Stripling’s General Store is a commitment to family, tradition, and quality. From the carefully crafted sausage recipe that started it all to the warm smiles that greet every customer, Stripling’s offers more than just products – we offer an experience.

Whether you’re visiting one of our locations or ordering online, you’ll find that every item reflects the care and tradition that defines Stripling’s. Stop by today and discover why Stripling’s General Store is more than just a place to visit – it’s a Southern icon and as we like to say, “You never sausage a place!”

Learn more about The Heart of Stripling’s here.