For 50 years, Ray Rastelli Jr. has built a business centered on quality, hard work, family, and putting people first. What began as a local butcher shop has grown into a trusted national brand, serving families across the country while staying true to the values that started it all. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we sat down with America's Personal Butcher™ to reflect on the journey, the lessons learned, and what excites him most about the future.
What does reaching 50 years in business mean to you personally?
Achieving 50 years in business is especially satisfying because it reinforces that what we have done has survived the test of time. Throughout the years, we've always looked forward, shaping and reshaping the company and our products to fit our customers' needs.
Fifty years is a reflection of the people who helped build this company, the customers who trusted us, and our commitment to never standing still. I'm proud of what we've accomplished, but I'm even more grateful for the relationships we've built along the way.
What values from day one are still at the heart of the company today?
At our core, we have always believed in serving our employees and customers with honesty, understanding, and a genuine commitment to their success.
That's how we started, and that's how we operate today. Business changes, industries change, and technology changes, but people still want to be treated fairly and with respect. When you listen, understand what people need, and do your best to help them succeed, good things happen.
How has the company evolved from a local butcher shop into a national brand? Did you ever imagine Rastelli's growing into the business it is today?
The evolution of our company is what I call "going to work each day with passion."
The company evolves every day based on the goals of our employees, our customers, and our business. We listen, we learn, and we adjust. Every day presents new opportunities to improve what we do and how we serve people. I never spent much time thinking about what the company could be someday. I've always focused our team on the task at hand. Achieving today's goals is what gets us to tomorrow.
What's been the proudest moment in company history so far?
Seeing the next generation of our family embrace the challenges ahead with the same passion, determination, and commitment that have defined this company from the very beginning has been one of my proudest moments.
Every generation has an opportunity to leave its mark. Watching them bring new ideas, new energy, and the same commitment to hard work gives me tremendous confidence in the future of our company.
What motivates you to keep pushing forward after 50 years?
What motivates me most is the opportunity to listen, teach, and coach our team members to help support their goals and dreams.
One of the greatest rewards of building a company is the ability to impact people's lives. We can positively affect thousands of people every day through the opportunities we create, the products we provide, and the culture we build. Helping others succeed continues to motivate me.
What's one meal or food memory that instantly reminds you of family?
Making meatballs and sausage on Sunday mornings while anticipating the entire family getting together for our Italian Sunday ritual.
What I remember most wasn't just the food—it was knowing the whole family would be together. The conversations, the laughter, and the time spent around the table are memories that stay with you forever. Food has always been a way to bring people together, and that's something I've carried with me throughout my life and career.
After 50 years, what's still your favorite part of coming to work every day?
The people, the innovation, and sharing my 50 years of experience with our next group of leaders.
I enjoy seeing people grow, solve problems, and accomplish things they didn't think were possible. Every day presents a new challenge and a new opportunity to learn something. That's what keeps it exciting.
What excites you most about the future of Rastelli's?
Not knowing the future is exciting because we have the ability to shape it into whatever we would like.
The opportunities ahead are endless. As long as we continue listening to our customers, investing in our people, and staying committed to innovation, we'll continue creating new possibilities for the future.
Looking Ahead
For five decades, Ray Rastelli Jr. has led with a simple philosophy: work hard, take care of people, and never stop improving. Those principles transformed a local butcher shop into a trusted national brand and continue to guide the company today. As Rastelli's celebrates its 50th anniversary, Ray remains focused on what has always mattered most—family, customers, employees, and building a future filled with opportunity. While we're proud of the first 50 years, we're just as excited about what's ahead.