By Hannah Barber
The former J&S Meat Processing Plant, which has most recently operated under the name Franks Custom Meat Processing, has once again transitioned to new ownership. As of December 6, the new owners are Randy Bugher and his wife, Donna, of Rocking RD Cattle Co. Processing.
Located at 180 FM 833 in Fairfield, the processing plant will serve as a cornerstone for their burgeoning business ventures.
With aspirations to open a restaurant in Blooming Grove, the couple specifically sought out a processing plant that could meet their needs, leading them to acquire Franks.
Their restaurant, Rocking RD Cattle Co. Cafe, located at 104 Fordyce Street in Blooming Grove, will offer a delightful mix of home cooking, steaks, links, and catfish, aiming for a grand opening in mid-January.
In addition to the restaurant, Randy and Donna plan to open a store in Corsicana that will feature dry goods made from their own recipes, such as seasonings, fish fry mix, cornbread mix, natural salves, herbal teas, coffee, and their processed meats.
“My goal here is to build my brand with all my products and get them out there,” Randy explained. “I want to be in the process from start to finish, which is what the restaurant and store will do.” Many of these products will also be available at the meat processing plant in Fairfield, with the new store to be located at 1608 West 7th Street in Corsicana.
Randy, a retired military veteran originally from Wyoming, has called Texas home for the past 20 years, currently residing in Barry, Texas. His extensive experience in ranching, facility maintenance, and business management was inspired by helping his family with meat processing and seasonings during his childhood. He is committed to providing all-natural products, ensuring none of their offerings contain MSG or chemicals—an important consideration due to his wife’s sensitivity to such additives. “All my recipes are custom; nobody else in the world makes it my way,” Randy adds, showcasing his commitment to uniqueness and quality in his offerings.
Randy’s dedication to family is reflected in his approach to business, as he values his family and sees his employees as an extension of it. By treating his staff like family, Randy aims to cultivate not only a thriving business but also a team that is committed to excellence and shared success. This strong sense of community is what drives Rocking RD Cattle Co. Processing to deliver high-quality products and services to their customers.
While Rocking RD Cattle Co. Processing. is currently open, the official ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for January 15th, 2025.