Aug. 18, 2025

A new custom butcher operation that will include a retail section is coming to Dell Rapids.

Schmitz Custom Meats LLC broke ground Friday in the Fiegen Industrial Park at the northwest corner of Garfield Avenue and Quartzite Street.

The 6,000-square-foot building will feature state-of-the-art processing equipment, create up to six jobs when it launches and include a space where area customers can buy meat.

“We’re excited to bring our passion for processing quality meats and customer service to Dell Rapids and the surrounding communities,” owner-operator Steven Schmitz said in a statement.

“This facility will allow us to lean on the agricultural roots of our state by working with local farmers and producers while contributing to the area we call home.”

Schmitz has worked in the industry since he was a teenager.

“There are not enough beef, pork and wild game processing shops in eastern South Dakota,” said Tyler Tordsen, president and CEO of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. “This is a totally new business starting from scratch, but I think the owners are going to find a lot of support for it, and they’ve chosen a great site and community for their location.”

Dell Rapids Lumber previously owned the site. Manager Doug Hainje said the company is excited to see local growth.

“Dell Rapids thrives when local entrepreneurs invest in our community. Schmitz Custom Meats will not only create new jobs but also add a retail option for our residents and visitors. We’re proud to see this project take shape and look forward to their grand opening next year,” said Hainje, who also is past president of the Dell Rapids Economic Development Corporation.

Cosand Construction is the general contractor for the $2.5 million project, while financing partners are Grow South Dakota, South Dakota Development Corporation utilizing the SBA 504 program and The First National Bank in Sioux Falls. The plan is to open in the spring of 2026.