If you’ve lived around Milwaukee County for a while, you know the drill. You're looking for something better than those plastic-wrapped, water-injected chicken breasts at the big-box grocery stores. You want a real butcher. You want a place where the person behind the counter actually knows the difference between a prime rib and a ribeye. That’s usually when someone mentions Franklin Meats Franklin WI.
But honestly? Finding clear info on this place is like trying to grill a steak in a rainstorm. It’s tricky.
There is a lot of confusion floating around online. Some people are looking for the old-school butcher shop vibes. Others are actually looking for the massive industrial plant that recently made headlines for moving its operations out of state. Then you’ve got the folks who just want to know if they can still get a decent slab of goat or lamb for a weekend cookout. Let's set the record straight on what's actually happening on the ground in Franklin.
The Tale of Two "Franklin Meats"
Basically, when people talk about meat in Franklin, they are usually talking about one of two very different things.
First, there’s the retail and wholesale side—the place people go to fill their freezers. Located over on W Oakwood Rd, this version of Franklin Meats is where the locals go. It's known for having a bit of everything: beef, pork, lamb, and even goat.
It isn't a fancy, high-end boutique with marble countertops. It’s a working-class meat shop.
You’ve probably seen the mixed reviews if you've gone digging. One person raves about the price of the ribeyes, while the next person complains that the service was a bit "abrupt." That’s the reality of a local butcher shop. They aren't there to hold your hand; they're there to cut meat.
The second thing people are often searching for is Strauss Brands. This is a huge deal for the local economy. For years, Strauss was the "Franklin meat" giant, operating a massive facility that handled grass-fed beef.
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What happened to the big plant?
In mid-2024, the news hit hard. Strauss Brands announced they were shutting down their Franklin production facility. They decided to move everything to Mundelein, Illinois.
It was a mess.
The move came after a long, drawn-out saga involving a failed attempt to build a new plant in Milwaukee. Eventually, they just decided to consolidate elsewhere. For the city of Franklin, this meant losing a lot of jobs. Mayor John Nelson even went on record saying that while the city appreciated the history, it was time to move on to businesses that actually wanted to stay and invest in the community.
So, if you’re looking for the big "Franklin meat plant" to apply for a job or do industrial business, you’re about a year too late. That ship has sailed south.
Shopping at Franklin Meats on Oakwood
Now, if you’re just a guy or girl looking for dinner, the shop at 9431 W Oakwood Rd is the one you care about.
It’s got a specific reputation.
- The Variety: They don't just do the standard "cow and pig." If you need goat or specialized lamb cuts, this is one of the few places in the area that consistently has them in stock.
- The Prices: Generally, you’re going to beat the prices at your local Pick 'n Save or Meijer, especially if you buy in bulk.
- The Vibe: It's a "no-frills" zone. Don't expect a greeting at the door. Do expect fresh meat.
Real Talk: The Service
Let’s be real for a second. Some people walk into Franklin Meats and expect a Five-Star resort experience. You aren't getting that. Reviews are all over the map. Some people love the staff and find them super helpful. Others find the service a bit inconsistent.
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The trick? Know what you want before you get to the counter. It's a busy place with a lot of wholesale movement. If you show up prepared, you’ll usually have a great experience. If you’re looking to browse for twenty minutes and ask fifty questions about the origin of the grass the cow ate, you might get a few eye rolls.
Why Quality Matters in 2026
We’ve all seen what’s happened to meat quality lately. Inflation has hit the food industry like a freight train. To keep prices "low," a lot of big brands are selling meat that is pumped full of saline or comes from massive, anonymous factory farms.
Buying from a local outfit like Franklin Meats Franklin WI or other nearby spots like Ray’s Butcher Shoppe in Greenfield or Harry Hansen Meat Service in Franksville gives you a bit more control.
You can see the marbling. You can see the color. You aren't guessing what’s under the "Store Brand" sticker.
Better Alternatives if You’re Discriminating
Maybe you went to Franklin Meats and it wasn't your thing. Or maybe you're looking for something more specific, like organic grass-fed beef now that Strauss has left the building.
- Kettle Range Meat Co: These guys are the gold standard for pasture-raised and hormone-free stuff in the Milwaukee area. They’ve got a location in Elm Grove and one on State Street. It’s more expensive. A lot more. But if you care about the "why" behind your meat, it's the place to go.
- Ray’s Butcher Shoppe: Located on Loomis Rd. This place is legendary. Their beef jerky alone is worth the drive. It’s a bit more of a "retail friendly" environment than the Oakwood Rd location of Franklin Meats.
- Backyard Butchers: Keep an eye out for these pop-up events. They often set up in parking lots around the Franklin/Oak Creek area (like at the Tractor Supply). They do those "20 ribeyes for $40" deals.
- Warning: Read the fine print on those. The steaks are usually very thin and intended for quick searing or steak sandwiches. They aren't the thick, 2-inch cuts you’d get at a premium butcher.
Common Misconceptions About Local Butchers
Most people think butcher shops are always more expensive. Not true.
If you buy a "bundle" or a "freezer pack" at a place like Franklin Meats, your price per pound is often significantly lower than the supermarket. The catch is you need the freezer space. You also have to be willing to cook different cuts. You can't just buy 50 pounds of filet mignon for cheap. You're getting the chuck roasts and the ground beef too.
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Another myth? That all butcher meat is "local."
Just because a shop is in Franklin doesn't mean the cow was raised on a farm down the street. Most shops source from the large regional distributors. However, the difference is in the selection. A local butcher rejects the subpar carcasses that the big grocery chains might accept because they have the volume to hide it.
Your Game Plan for Franklin Meats
If you're heading out to 9431 W Oakwood Rd, here is how you do it right.
First, check the hours. They aren't open 24/7. In fact, their hours can be a bit weird compared to a standard 9-to-5 business. Historically, they’ve been known to open early (around 6:00 AM) and close mid-afternoon or early evening. Always call or check their latest Google Business listing before you make the trek.
Second, bring a cooler. If you’re coming from the north side of Milwaukee or even from the west, it’s a bit of a drive. You don't want those steaks sitting in a warm trunk while you hit other errands.
Third, ask about the "specials." Sometimes they have a surplus of a specific cut—maybe pork loins or chicken legs—and they’ll practically give it away just to move the inventory.
The Actionable Bottom Line
The "meat landscape" in Franklin has changed. The loss of the Strauss plant was a blow to the local industrial scene, but for the average person living in the suburbs, the small-scale shops are still the heart of the community.
What you should do next:
- Inventory your freezer: Don't go to a bulk butcher without knowing how much room you have.
- Call ahead: If you need a specific cultural cut (like whole goat or specific lamb parts), call the Oakwood Rd location first to ensure it's in the cooler.
- Compare prices: Take a photo of the per-pound price at your local grocery store this morning. When you walk into Franklin Meats, you’ll know immediately if you’re getting a deal.
- Explore the neighbors: If you’re already in the area, swing by Ray’s or Harry Hansen’s too. Each shop has a "specialty." One might have better bacon, while the other has better bulk beef.
Support these local spots. Once the big industrial plants leave, these independent shops are all that's left to keep the quality up and the prices honest.