For Michiganders, nothing beats a Koegel. That’s especially true in Flint & Genesee – home of Koegel Meats since its founding in 1916 by German immigrant Albert Koegel. Over a century later, the family-run company is still committed to its original recipes, producing 35 meat products that have become synonymous with quality and local pride.
“We never get tired of people telling us how much they love Koegel’s,” said John Koegel, third-generation president of Koegel Meats. “It’s not only a testament to our commitment to quality, but to the history of our company right here in Flint.”
In the early 1900s, a young Albert Koegel trained to become a Meister Wurstmacher or “master sausage maker” in Germany. After completing the apprenticeship program, he emigrated to the United States. Later, hoping to capitalize on the burgeoning automobile industry, Koegel relocated to Flint to fulfill his dream of starting his own meat company.
Albert Koegel soon became known for his personality and his quality meats. His business grew as other retail stores in Flint began carrying his line of frankfurters and sausages. In 1932, he closed his retail business and built a manufacturing facility to produce his meat products.
As the popularity and variety of Koegel products grew, so did the business and its reach into backyard BBQs across Michigan.
In 1972, the founder’s son, Albert J. Koegel, built a new manufacturing plant just off Bristol Road in Flint Township, near Bishop International Airport. The company is still headquartered there and continues to honor its heritage under the third-generation leadership of John Koegel and his sister, Vice President Kathryn Koegel.
Today, their products are sold primarily in Michigan to nearly every major retailer in the state. The company has also become a recognizable Michigan-based brand available in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.
“We love to grow and we’re trying to grow a little bit out of state with Meijer,” John Koegel said.
The company’s sales numbers are astounding: In 2024, the company sold about 10 million pounds of Koegel meat to 1,231 unique grocery stores, restaurants, and distributors. Their best-selling product is the Vienna frankfurter, beloved by customers for its signature snap when biting into it.
In recent years, Koegel’s has expanded its offerings to meet evolving consumer tastes while staying true to its roots. One notable addition is the jalapeno & cheese Polish sausage, which combines traditional Polish sausage with the spicy kick of jalapenos and cheddar cheese.
Initially introduced through a partnership with another Flint-based family business, Beacon & Bridge Market convenience stores, the sausage has since been packaged for wider retail distribution.
“We’re trying to meet the consumer where they are,” said John Koegel. “I think the younger generation eats more spicy foods than we do.”
This initiative was spearheaded by one of John Koegel’s sons, Cameron. A recent graduate of Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business, Cameron Koegel has been instrumental in bringing fresh perspectives to the company. He played a key role in developing the retail package for the jalapeno & cheese Polish sausage and is actively involved in exploring new market opportunities.
“Cameron reminds me a lot of myself when I came in and started working with my dad,” John Koegel said. “He has a lot of ideas and wants to get them done today.”
While Cameron is currently the only member of the fourth generation working in the business, John Koegel remains open to the possibility of his three other children joining.
“All of the kids are professionals in their own right, but they’re always more than welcome here,” he said.
John Koegel said he’s proud of the way his family and their employees continue their commitment to quality even as other companies cheapen their products. Their “Made Up to a Quality … Not Down to a Price” slogan says it all.
“There’s a reason people tell us it’s the only hotdog or coney or ring bologna they’ll eat: Because it tastes better,” he said.
“We’re just thankful we have the consumers who continue to keep us relevant and retailers who want to stock our products on their shelves. We feel very blessed.”