Ethan Bubeck is part of the fourth generation of his family to operate Lewright’s Meats since the beloved Eagle Grove establishment’s founding in 1936 by his ancestor, H.L. Lewright. And, after a devastating fire last September, he wasn’t willing to just let the legacy of his family business go up in smoke.
But starting over won’t be easy. “You wouldn’t believe the complexities of putting in a meat plant. It’s very complex,” Bubeck said of the drawn out process. Which included cutting through a lot of red tape, not the least of which was getting a zoning change to enable them to move operations to a different facility, so they could stay in Eagle Grove. “We’ve always supported the community,” Bubeck said, “this isn’t just a town for us. This is home.”
The timing was challenging, too, given the pandemic. But there may have been a silver lining to that dark cloud, considering the way government is motivated to get businesses rolling again, combined with changes in the industry. But the domino effect of the lingering pandemic created new challenges. “It is probably the best, and the worst, time ever to open up a meat processing plant right now,” Bubeck said. “It’s the best time to build a meat processing plant because of the way the industry has changed” he elaborated. “It’s the worst time to build a meat processing plant due to the supply chain.” And “there’s more resources out there for artisan or locker plant meat processors.”
Since the fire, the town has anxiously awaited the return of their local source for fine meats without a sign of progress. “When the fire first happened, we were trying to figure out what to do” Bubeck said. “We didn’t want to run – if we would be able to stay in Eagle Grove.” For a while, it seemed they might have to leave town, and they even grudgingly looked at facilities in surrounding towns.
And then, last Monday, a banner went up outside the old Dollar General store space at the edge of town, near Bomgaars, which read: “future home of Lewright’s meats”. Inside, Bubeck had begun demolition. “Everything I have downtown is moving to the end of town,” Bubeck said, describing his plans.
By Saturday a post went up on the Lewright’s Facebook page. “We are excited to announce the recent purchase of a new build(ing) here in Eagle Grove for the new Lewright Meats processing plant,” the post read, in part. Emojis and all. “We are thrilled that we have found a place in own home town of Eagle Grove and look forward to serving the community for years to come!!! We want to thank the community for all your support .”
Bubeck credits Eagle Grove City Administrator Bryce Davis with ensuring the Lewrights legacy remains an Eagle Grove legacy. “Bryce was very helpful,” Bubeck said, “he has been great in working with us, and has been very committed to keeping us in the community.” Bubeck related how close they’d come to having to move out of Eagle Grove due to the fire. “Eagle Grove can thank Bryce for making sure they can get their Lewrights products for years to come,” he said.
With more than twice the space, at over 9,000 square feet, as their previous 3,800 square foot facility, Bubeck hopes to increase their processing capacity by between 40 to 50%. And the facility will be designed to be more efficient, and safer for employees.
“As I’m designing this plant with the engineers we’re specifically designing it for ease on the employees. With less wear and tear on the human body,” Bubeck told the Eagle. Which will be accomplished with deliberate planning to eliminate unnecessary and repetitive movements as much as possible, while also increasing efficiency and safety for the consumer by reducing the number of times product is handled. And the equipment will be designed to last much longer.
Of course, that won’t mean they won’t still have to work hard, Bubeck pointed out. “We work hard, but we’ve always operated like a family. We want the culture to be one where we work hard, but we have fun doing it.”
While Bubeck says he still can’t predict a completion date due to ongoing supply chain issues, he did say he plans to proceed through two phases. In Phase One, they’ll get back to processing livestock, and retail sales out of their new location. In Phase Two, they’ll get into wholesaling at a whole new level.
Hopefully, Phase Three will happen on grills, griddles and in ovens all over Eagle Grove, as soon as possible.
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