“YOU CAN’T RUSH GOOD BACON!”
In 1947, Bart’s Bacon was founded with a commitment to delivering the highest quality protein to family tables. Bart’s grandfather, a dedicated butcher, held the belief that bacon should be made with craftsmanship, care, and only the finest ingredients. He focused on using premium cuts of pork, sourced directly from the farm, and developed a distinctive method of brining the pork in large stone crocks. This meticulous approach soon distinguished his bacon from all others, establishing a legacy of quality and tradition in bacon-making.
At a young age, Bart began helping his grandfather on the family farm in rural Nebraska, learning the butchering trade from him. By the mid-1970s, Bart and his grandfather began sharing and delivering their handcrafted bacon to friends and family. Bart’s grandfather proudly called the product “Bart’s Bacon,” as Bart was his trusted helper. The name quickly caught on, and soon, people were requesting it by name. Some of Bart’s fondest memories include working side by side with his grandfather around the wooden butcher block, packaging bacon while listening to football games on the radio. Those moments not only strengthened their bond but also instilled in Bart the core values of hard work, dedication, family, and community.
In those early years, Bart and his grandfather would rise at dawn to prepare their signature brine. Bart’s grandfather believed the brine was the very soul of his bacon. It was a carefully crafted blend of salt, brown sugar, and other select spices, mixed with precision and care. However, the secret to its perfection wasn’t just in the ingredients, but in the process itself. The pork bellies were placed in large stone crocks and submerged in the brine. The defining feature of this method was the meticulous attention to the dwell time during the brining process, which resulted in a unique texture and an unmatched flavor profile that set Bart’s Bacon apart.
Bart and his grandfather both believed that double smoking the pork bellies over real wood was key to giving their bacon the authentic flavor that remains a hallmark today. As the bacon hung in the smokehouse, the gentle kiss of hardwood smoke infused each pork belly with a rich, mouthwatering flavor. Bart’s grandfather would often remind him, “You can’t rush good bacon,” a philosophy that still guides the process today. This patient, time-honored technique helped craft bacon with a depth of flavor that stands as a testament to their commitment to quality.
As the years passed, Bart’s Bacon became more than just a product—it became a legacy. Bart’s early experiences on the farm inspired him to pursue a degree in animal science and deepen his involvement in the meat industry, with the goal of delivering quality bacon to families everywhere. Bart’s daughters grew up immersed in the family business, learning the same meticulous processes and values that shaped their father’s work ethic. When Bart’s grandfather passed away in 2012, the family knew the heart and soul of Bart’s Bacon was in safe hands.
Today, Bart’s Bacon continues to honor the traditions established over seven decades ago. The fourth generation now plays a vital role in overseeing the business operations, ensuring that Bart’s vision lives on with every slice of bacon that comes from the smokehouse. While new ideas and innovations have been introduced, the core values of quality, craftsmanship, and patience remain at the heart of the business. Bart’s Bacon continues to deliver the same authentic, mouthwatering flavor that has been passed down through generations, maintaining its reputation as a trusted family tradition.
We have expanded our reach, but we have never lost sight of what makes our bacon truly special: the brine, the careful dwell time, the use of real wood, the double smoking process, and our unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. The beauty of Bart’s Bacon lies in the process itself—a time-honored craft that delivers the exceptional quality and flavor that families have come to love. Each step, from the farm to the smokehouse, reflects the dedication to tradition and excellence that has defined our bacon for generations.
From its humble beginnings to its enduring legacy, Bart’s Bacon stands as a testament to the power of tradition, quality, and the simple joy of sharing great food with those you love. Every bite of Bart’s Bacon carries the history and heart of a company that has been perfecting its craft for generations.
As we continue to bring Bart’s Bacon to more tables, we remain true to grandpa’s original recipe, ensuring that each slice delivers the unmistakable taste of tradition and love. It’s more than just bacon—it’s a family legacy that continues to thrive, one slice at a time.
Bart’s Bacon is available in the meat & deli area or meat counter section.