A century after its founding in San Francisco, Evergood Sausage Company is celebrating 100 years of sausage-making tradition, family leadership, and hardwood-smoked craftsmanship—a milestone that reflects both the heritage of American meat processing and the enduring consumer demand for pork-based products.
Founded in 1926 in San Francisco’s Mission District, Evergood began as a small neighborhood butcher shop created by Bavarian immigrant and master sausage maker Jacob Rauscher. His focus on traditional German sausage recipes and in-house smokehouse methods quickly built a loyal following.
Over the decades, the company evolved from a local butcher operation into a nationally recognized sausage brand while maintaining the same production philosophy that shaped its earliest days: natural hardwood smoking, traditional recipes, and premium ingredients.
From Neighborhood Butcher to Regional Brand
Demand for Evergood’s sausages grew steadily through the mid-20th century, eventually leading the company to open a manufacturing facility in San Francisco’s Bayview District, historically known as “Butchertown.” The facility remains the company’s production base today.
A key turning point came in 1968, when a meat buyer from Safeway discovered Evergood’s products. That partnership helped transition the company from a route-delivery butcher business to a larger retail brand distributed through major grocery chains.
Through the 1970s and 1980s, Evergood expanded further as the Miller family assumed leadership, guiding the company through major industry transitions including:
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vacuum packaging
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centralized distribution
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expanded retail partnerships
Products eventually reached shelves at major retailers including Costco (formerly Price Club) and other large grocery chains across California.
Three Generations of Family Leadership
Today, Evergood continues to operate under the leadership of the Miller family’s third generation. Donny Miller, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, is leading the company into its next phase of growth by expanding product innovation, strengthening brand storytelling, and growing foodservice distribution.
“Reaching 100 years is incredibly humbling,” Miller said in a statement marking the milestone. “My grandfather and father built this company on relationships, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. As we look ahead to the next era, our mission remains the same—honor our heritage and continue earning trust one sausage at a time.”
Evergood products are now widely used across the foodservice sector, appearing in stadium concessions, corporate dining programs, hospitality venues, and restaurants nationwide. The company also serves as the official sausage provider for the San Francisco Giants.
Pork Remains Central to the Brand
Like many traditional sausage makers, pork remains a cornerstone ingredient in Evergood’s product lineup. The company produces a range of sausage varieties including:
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Louisiana Hot Link Sausage
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Mild Link Sausage
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Polish Kielbasa
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Bockwurst
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Garlic Sausage
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British-Style Bangers
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Chicken Apple Sausage
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Pineapple Sausage
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Old-Fashioned Beef Frankfurters
Many of these products rely heavily on pork, reflecting the enduring role of pork in value-added meat products and the continued demand for sausages in retail and foodservice channels.
Looking Ahead to the Next Century
As Evergood enters its second century, the company says it will continue balancing heritage with innovation—introducing new flavors, expanding distribution, and maintaining the craftsmanship that built the brand.
For the pork industry, Evergood’s milestone highlights the lasting importance of value-added pork products, traditional processing methods, and strong consumer branding in maintaining demand for pork in North America.
Even as the protein industry evolves with changing consumer trends, Evergood’s century-long journey demonstrates how quality, authenticity, and family leadership can sustain a brand across generations.
