Panizzera Meat Company Thrives Under New Ownership
By Valery Larson
With a rich one-hundred-plus-year history producing some of the best meats on the west coast, the Panizerra Meat Company, named after Constante and Margret Panizzera, has thrived as a small family run business in one of the most charming and scenic settings a business could find itself.
Constante and Margret escaped the turmoil of Mussolini’s Italy, with the clothes on their backs, precious family recipes in their pockets and ten cents to their name and made their way to Occidental, California, a place that looked and felt much like the home they had left in the Lake Como region of Italy.
After working as a butcher for several years, Constante saved up enough money to start Panizzera Meat Company. He practiced the art of Salumi (the method of making real Italian sausage from the old world recipes) he had learned from his forefathers and passed his wealth of knowledge down to his son Joe and Grandson, Bob.
While Bob was running the company he took on two apprentices, Ryan Taylor (originally from Davis) and Josh Cerda (Occidental, born and raised), instilling in them a love for the business and an appreciation for creating timeless and quality meats.
In 2014 Bob decided to retire and sold the business to Ryan and Josh who have since found ways to creatively expand and bring the highest-grade pasture-raised beef, chickens, pigs and lamb to the restaurants, shops (Andy’s and Bohemian Market in Occidental), the tables of Sonoma county, and to patrons up and down the California coast. They now offer a monthly membership that provides an exceptional selection of locally sourced meats.
I asked Josh about his favorite part of the business.
“I love the quality products we produce and I am very proud to share them with the world. I love that I can watch my dreams come into fruition, it keeps me excited and passionate everyday. Passion is an important part of any business," he responded.
There is no doubt that with their combined passion and knowledge, Ryan and Josh carry on a business that will last for many years to come.
Head to Panizzera at the north end of Occidental on the corner of Graton Road and Main Street to check out the delicious meats, rubs, and other products in their new shop.
My personal favorite is the chicken apple sausage. The difference between Panizerra’s delicious chicken apple sausage and regular store-bought chicken sausage is beyond words.I feel completely satiated and know where my feet will take me when on the next grocery run for the best meats in town – Panizzera.
Mangiare felice, my friends!
Panizzera Meat Co. 3905 Main St,Occidental, CA 95465
707-874-9770
