Greenberg Smoked Turkey, Inc., located in Tyler, Texas, has been a beloved institution since the 1930s. For over 80 years, the Greenberg family has been smoking turkeys to perfection, creating a holiday tradition that has captured the hearts and palates of many. However, in November 2020, a devastating fire and explosions rocked the facility, forcing the company to halt production for the rest of the year. Despite this setback, the Greenberg family remains determined to rebuild and continue their legacy of producing the finest smoked turkeys.
A Fire and Explosions
The fire and explosions that occurred at Greenberg Smoked Turkey on November 6, 2020, were a result of a mechanical failure in one of the company's facilities. A freezer holding 87,000 turkeys exploded, causing significant damage to the boxes and bags used for shipping. Fortunately, no one was hurt during the incident. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two days, but the heaviest damage was contained to the freezer where the turkeys were stored. The smokehouse, located over 1,000 feet away, remained unaffected.
A Family Tradition
Since its inception, Greenberg Smoked Turkey has prided itself on simplicity and quality. The family's mailing list, which started on a card table in their garage, has now grown to nearly 300,000 customers. In the early years, customers would receive their turkeys first and pay for them later. As the business evolved, a website and phone orders were added, and in 2009, Greenberg turkeys became available at Central Market. Despite these changes, the family remains committed to their traditional smoking process and secret spice mix that gives their turkeys a distinct flavor.
Rebuilding and Looking Ahead
Although the fire was a devastating blow to Greenberg Smoked Turkey, owner Sam Greenberg is determined to rebuild and continue smoking turkeys in 202The company plans to refund customers who had already ordered turkeys for the 2020 holiday season, and those who still wish to enjoy a Greenberg turkey can visit Central Market, where limited shipments are available for sale. To stay updated on Greenberg Smoked Turkey's plans for 2021, customers can join their mailing list at gobblegobble.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a Greenberg smoked turkey fully cooked?
Yes, a Greenberg smoked turkey is fully cooked and frozen. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator for 48 hours before serving or heating.
- Who owns Greenberg smoked turkey?
Greenberg Smoked Turkey is owned by the Greenberg family, with Sam Greenberg as the current owner. The business has been passed down through generations and remains a family tradition.
In Conclusion
Greenberg Smoked Turkey has long been a holiday obsession for many, with their smoked turkeys gracing tables across Texas and beyond. Despite the setback caused by the fire and explosions in 2020, the Greenberg family remains committed to their craft and plans to rebuild. Their dedication to simplicity, quality, and preserving their traditional smoking process ensures that Greenberg Smoked Turkey will continue to be a cherished part of holiday celebrations for years to come.
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