How Chatham’s Green Village Packing Continues To Thrive

CHATHAM, NJ — They’ve been around for four generations with Bill Kleemeyer, who many know as “Bill the Butcher,” overseeing his family’s business, Green Village Packing Co.

A business that's been around in the same location since 1948, not only supports consumers, but is a meat purveyor for restaurants throughout the region, while some merchants shuttered because of COVID, Kleemeyer told Patch, “We were busier than ever during the shutdown.”

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In a country with many chain markets in each region getting their meats from large suppliers, small businesses like Green Village Packing on 68 Britten Road, that many call a “hidden gem,” may have experienced delays here and there with the supply chain situation, but Kleemeyer says there’s always something else customers can find as a substitute.

As long as shoppers are willing “to go with the flow,” he said and understand that for example there might be a 14-pound turkey, instead of a 16-pound one for Thanksgiving this year; or perhaps one cut of meat versus another, they will still be able to find what they’re happy with.

He said a business who uses one main supplier is also foolish and needs to rely on several different sources.

Among Green Village Packing suppliers are local farms, with many customers - especially those in the younger generations he says - who are more health-conscious.

“There’s nothing better than a pork chop from an animal that’s come from five miles away,” Kleemeyer said.

It’s this generation, he said, that asks questions about products, if the meat is grass-fed for example. They also seek out other local products, including eggs and honey, with Green Village Packing Co. bringing in other local products.

They differ as well from the large markets in that the meats are all custom-prepared on site, specializing in different cuts of beef, pork, lamb, veal and poultry. From filet steaks, to prime rib to crown roasts; and from baby back ribs to pork tenderloins to sausage among their offerings. They sell lamb chops, ground lamb and French racks. Then there’s milk-fed veal cutlets, veal shanks and veal roasts.

Green Village Packing specializes in whole fresh turkey, perfect for the holidays, plus sells other types of poultry from whole duck, to custom-trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breast.

With quality local products and years in business, Kleemeyer said, “History tells us we’ve got a great reputation.”

Discover more about Green Village Packing at www.greenvillagepacking.com. Check them out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GreenVillagePacking.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.