Sausage factory acquired

Reno-based food processor and distributor Sierra Meat and Seafood has acquired the Sausage Factory of Carson City.

Terms of the deal between the two privately held companies were not disclosed. The transaction will have no effect on the Carson business’ workforce.

According to a Sierra company official, the Sausage Factory will become Flocchini Family Provisions and remain in Carson City.

The previous owner, Joe Tonino, will continue as vice president and help in the management and strategic development of the business’ product line, which has been distributed by Sierra for the past five years.

“You cannot be in this business and not love the Sausage Family products,” said Chris Flocchini, Sierra president and COO. “The company has a tremendous reputation for product innovation, which will greatly enhance our product offerings and service to customers” through our network of 300 distributors, he added.

Flocchini said the small-batch artisanal sausage, deli meats and hot dogs are a personal favorite. “I’ve been a huge fan for a long time.”

The Reno Aces’ ballpark’s official hot dogs and sausages are from the Sausage Factory.

Flocchini said the Sausage Factory acquisition now puts his company past the 100-employee mark.

Founded in San Francisco in the 1930s as Durham Meats, the Flocchinis purchased Sierra Meat Co. in Reno in 1986. In 2001, Durham corporate headquarters in San Jose was sold to a housing developer prompting a move by most of the Flocchini family to Reno. Eventually, the name became Sierra Meat and Seafood.

Regionally, the company sells its specialty meats to restaurants, hotels and grocery chains. In terms of seafood, Flocchini brings in fish from the Bay Area right off the boat and flies product in from Hawaii and the East Coast.

“We have some live lobster tanks” to supply local customers, said Chris. In terms of the business lines, 35 percent of sales are fresh and frozen seafood; 60 percent is beef-related. They also sell poultry, venison and wild boar as well.

“In five years, our business has more than doubled,” said Chris, a fact he attributes to ramping up marketing and sales efforts and competitors leaving the industry.

The Flocchinis also own the Durham Bison Ranch in Wyoming.