SAUSAGE TOUR - EJS MEAT COMPANY

SHINER HOBO BAND

THIRD GENERATION AND GOING STRONG EJ’s Meat Company

JEFF MATIAS RECOGNIZES FAMILY, STAFF AND COMMUNITY AS KEYS TO EJ’S CONTINUED SUCCESS

by Michelle Banse Stokes, photos by Emily Henderson

EJ’s Meat Company is known far and wide for their Country Style Smoked Sausages, but few people know there’s a secret family recipe and three generations of tradition sizzling on their grill. EJ’s Meat Company’s history is rich and still being written. The latest chapter involves sticking to its roots.

“It’s a family tradition for us,” said Jeff Matias. “Grandma used to bring me to the plant to help with odds and ends, starting when I was about seven years old. I loved it because we’d stop at Howard’s every morning and I’d get candy and a drink. Then I’d go to work to earn my food and snacks. I did all the same things I do now … whatever Grandma needed me to do.”

Chalk it up to family tradition: Jeff is quick to share that he’s still making sausage the same way as they did when he was young.

“My grandfather, EJ Simper, fine-tuned everything over time,” shared Jeff. “We’re producing the same product that he was when he started in 1982. Everything is handmade … we stuff, twist and tie each link by hand. We use hog and sheep casings instead of artificial ones and smoke with pecan wood we cut on our farm. Everything is hand-spun the old-fashioned way. We take our time and nothing is rushed.”

There are many hands that go into the work and Jeff recognizes how vital his family and staff are to EJ’s Meat Company.

“Both my mom and wife work in bookkeeping and behind the scenes while my two older kids are pitching in like I used to do when I was younger,” added Jeff. “I have two uncles that also come to help out. We also have staff that have been there forever. These men and women saw me grow up. It’s like a big family.”

In addition to sausage, EJ's Meat Company is also known for their fresh meat selections and deer processing.

“A lot of hunters come to us because we use small batches,” said Jeff. “You bring me your deer and you’re going to get your deer back. That’s important to us and a tradition we’ll continue.”

Jeff states that he is thankful to have the opportunity to do what they love and because of that giving back is important. EJ’s participates in a variety of fundraisers, charity events and sponsorships throughout the community and surrounding areas.

EJ’s Meat Company is located at 1531 County Road 353 and online at www.ejmeatcompany.com.

Top right, three generations of EJ’s: Jeff and Leslie Matias stand behind Jeff’s parents, Eugene and Marie Matias. Marie holds a picture of her parents, Eugene Jospeph “EJ” and Elizabeth Simper. Bottom left, Jeff’s daughter, Addison Matias, works alongside him often. Bottom right, Daniel “Preacher” Majia pulls out a rack of smoked sausage. He was given the nickname “Preacher” at EJ’s because of his love of talking.