We’re an American company with European heritage. We bring traditional old world recipes to the new world way of life.

Our History

The times, they are a-changin’.

Josef’s Artisan Meats has a rich history, full of tradition, culture, and flavor. It all started back in the 1960s when Eugene and Brigitte Hartmann opened up a shop under the name Hartmann’s Old World Sausage. Thanks to their traditional, quality, gourmet sausages, it didn’t take long for business to take off. Within a few short years, Hartmann’s had developed a reputation of making superior quality, authentic European products and was being sold in area supermarkets. Its success continued, and over the next four decades, Hartmann’s grew to become a beloved and trusted brand amongst Rochesterians.

By 2004, times had changed. Eugene had passed away years before, and by now Brigitte was ready to hang up her apron. As luck would have it, or perhaps it was fate, Josef Brunner, Master Sausage Maker originally from Austria, was looking to purchase a shop of his own. Living in Colorado at the time, Josef and his wife, Elizabeth, flew to Rochester to meet Brigitte. The Brunners fell in love with both the company and the scenic Finger Lakes region of New York, and a deal was struck. Over the next few years, Josef found opportunity knocking on his door. He and Elizabeth knew improvements needed to be made to grow the business and keep up with the increasing demands. So, they took a big gamble, investing in state-of-the-art equipment and machinery and perfecting our production process. That gamble paid off. Thanks to our modernized facility, we now produce over 75 varieties of gourmet sausage and specialty meats and distribute nationwide. None of this would have been possible without the forward vision of Josef and Elizabeth. With growth, change is inevitable. That said, no matter how much we grow, one thing will never change – our dedication to bringing customers the highest quality, traditional, handcrafted sausages, charcuterie, and specialty meats available.

Handcrafted just for you.

We mean it. No, really

We’re the Real Deal

It’s time to face the facts – not all sausages are created equal. Good thing you landed here because our sausages are made with honest ingredients, like crisp vegetables, fresh fruits, and hand-trimmed meat. We don’t use fillers or cheap additives, either. Don’t just take our word for it; go ahead and check the label – we dare you!

There’s Mastery in the Making

Josef’s not your typical sausage guy. He’s a legit Master Sausage Maker who spent years training in Europe to earn that top rank. Deep down Josef knows that sausage making is an art form, and creating a masterpiece takes time. That’s why all of our products are handcrafted in small batches by our team of highly skilled craftsmen overseen by Josef to his exacting standards.

Guaranteed Fresh. Really Fresh.

If it says “Josef’s,” you can be sure it’s made fresh to order. Seriously, unlike the other guys, we don’t even own a warehouse for mass storage. Our sausages are made, shipped, (and usually eaten) immediately. They’re that good. Go ahead, try one and taste the difference for yourself.

Our Team

If there’s one thing Josef knows, it’s that a chain is only as strong as its weakest sausage link. That’s why he’s taken special care when selecting his team. Under his guidance, he’s taught the team not to merely make sausages; he’s taught them the art, skill, and craftsmanship of sausage making with his traditional values in mind. You’ll find no weak links here!

Our team of artisans is a diverse group with many different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. We’re a robust blend of heritages and personalities coming together for a common purpose and passion: to create products that are superior in quality and taste. We take pride in our work and strive to craft sausages and charcuteries that you’ll be equally as proud to serve to your family.