FAQ

Opa's is a family-owned Texas smoked meat company based in Fredericksburg, Texas. We've been making handcrafted smoked sausages and specialty meats in small batches since 1947, rooted in the Texas-German food tradition of the Hill Country.

Our deli and market is at 410 S Washington St, Fredericksburg, TX — just off Highway 87, two blocks from Main Street. Open Monday–Friday 8 AM–5:30 PM and Saturday 8 AM–4 PM. Closed Sundays.

Since 1947. We're still in Fredericksburg, still making the same products the same way, and still using the same spice blends that have been refined over generations.

Yes. Opa's is third-generation family-owned. The current ownership team continues the work of their family that founded the business in 1947 — same Fredericksburg location, same commitment to small-batch craft, same Texas-German roots.

Our legal business name is Fredericksburg Lockers, Inc. — it dates back to the original meat locker where Opa's was founded in 1947. Opa's Smoked Meats is our DBA ('doing business as'), and it's the name you know us by. Same company, same family — just the legal name behind the brand.

Most of them, yes. All smoked sausage links, summer sausage, all hams, whole smoked turkey, smoked chicken, turkey legs, tenderloins, Canadian bacon, head cheese, liverwurst, Peppered Cured Smoked Beef, and Peppered Cured Smoked Turkey Breast are fully cooked. The one exception: Peppered Bacon is raw and must be cooked before eating. Always check the label if you're unsure.

Yes. All of Opa's smoked sausages, hams, bacon, tenderloins, smoked poultry, cured meats, and summer sausages are gluten-free. We use natural pork casings (gluten-free), no wheat-based fillers, and no gluten-containing seasonings.

Most are. All of our smoked sausages, hams (except honey-glazed varieties), bacon, tenderloins, smoked poultry, cured meats, summer sausages, and German specialty items (head cheese, liverwurst) are keto-friendly — high in protein, low in carbs, no added sugar. The exceptions are our Honey Glazed Ham products and specialty market items that contain sugar (BBQ sauces, peach preserves, candied jalapeños, pralines).

Most are. The exceptions: our Jalapeño Cheddar Smoked Sausage and Jalapeño Cheddar Summer Sausage (both contain cheddar cheese), and our Chicken Sausage with Poblano and Monterey Jack (contains Monterey Jack). All other smoked sausages, hams, bacon, tenderloins, smoked poultry, cured meats, head cheese, and liverwurst are dairy-free.

Heat varies by variety. Mild: Country Blend, Beef, Bratwurst, and Chicken Poblano Monterey Jack. Mild-to-medium: Hatch Green Chile. Medium: Jalapeño and Jalapeño Cheddar. Hottest: Habanero. If you're heat-sensitive, start with Country Blend or Beef; if you chase heat, the Habanero is the one.

Jalapeño Cheddar is our most popular by a wide margin — real cheddar and diced jalapeño in a coarse-ground link with our signature smoke. If you're new to Opa's and want the crowd-pleaser, start there.

Natural pork casings — that's what gives you the snap when you bite in. A coarse grind, so you're eating real pieces of seasoned meat, not a uniform paste. A spice blend refined over decades that's balanced rather than loud. And a consistent, rich smoke flavor in every batch. Small batch, craft made, since 1947.

No — it's available year-round at the deli and online. Earthy, roasted green chile flavor with a smooth, layered heat that pairs beautifully with the smoke profile.

Our smoked sausages contain MSG as part of the seasoning blend. Our head cheese does not. If you're avoiding MSG, check the label for the specific product, or reach out and we'll help you find options.

Our smoked and cured products use curing salts that include sodium nitrite — standard for smoked and cured meats. It's what develops their color, flavor, and shelf stability. The full ingredient list is on every product label.

No. Our products are not Halal- or Kosher-certified, and most contain pork.

Yes. Nutrition facts are printed on every product label and listed on the product pages at opassmokedmeats.com.

Our Canadian Bacon is fully cooked, pre-sliced from the loin, and ready to heat and serve. Our Peppered Bacon is raw, thick-cut traditional belly bacon and must be cooked before eating. Don't confuse them — the cook-state difference is important.

Not even close to cheese. Head cheese is a traditional German cold cut made from pork, pork cheek meat, beef, pork skin, pork hearts, salt, and black pepper — slow-cooked and set in its own natural flavors, sliced cold. Serve it thin-sliced with whole-grain mustard on rye.

Liverwurst is a traditional German sausage made from pork liver and spices — more pâté than smooth spread, rich with savory liver flavor, and fully cooked. Slice or spread onto rye or dark bread, or onto crackers, with mustard, sliced onion, or pickles.

Completely normal. Pink near the bone in smoked poultry is a result of the curing and smoking process — not a sign that it's undercooked. All Opa's smoked poultry is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Smoked sausage links are meant for the grill or stovetop. Summer sausage is a cured, semi-dried product designed to be sliced and eaten cold. Summer sausage is what you want for a charcuterie board, a road trip, or a cooler.

Peppered, whole-muscle smoked, with a deeper flavor and more tender texture than traditional jerky. Ready-to-eat, must be kept refrigerated. Excellent on charcuterie boards, in gift packs, or as cooler provisions for Hill Country day trips.

Natural pork casings. They give our smoked sausages their characteristic snap when you bite in, and they're gluten-free.

No. Opa's is known for smoked sausage and specialty smoked meats — hams, bacon, turkey, chicken, tenderloins, and cured meats. The deli serves a BBQ Beef sandwich on the lunch menu, but brisket isn't part of our product line.

No. The Opa's-branded grocery items in our specialty market — BBQ sauces, peach preserves, pickled vegetables, mustards, salsas — are sold under the Opa's label but produced by trusted partner brands.

Three ways: (1) Grocery stores across Texas — H-E-B, Walmart Supercenters, Albertsons, United Supermarkets, Market Street, Central Market, Brookshire's, Lowe's Market, Randalls, Tom Thumb, San Antonio-area Sam's Clubs, and Instacart. (2) Online at opassmokedmeats.com — ships nationwide. (3) Our Fredericksburg Deli & Market at 410 S Washington St.

Grocery stores typically carry our smoked sausage lineup. For the full selection — hams, turkeys, tenderloins, Peppered Cured Smoked Beef and Turkey Breast, summer sausage, head cheese, liverwurst, and specialty items — visit opassmokedmeats.com or come to the Fredericksburg deli.

No. Our grocery partners are H-E-B, Walmart Supercenters, Albertsons, United Supermarkets, Market Street, Central Market, Brookshire's, Lowe's Market, Randalls, Tom Thumb, San Antonio-area Sam's Clubs, and independents through the Affiliated Foods network.

Yes. We work directly with restaurants, retailers, and corporate clients. Contact us at info@opasfbg.com or 830-997-3358 to discuss wholesale or B2B accounts.

Yes. Everything on opassmokedmeats.com ships throughout the continental United States, plus Alaska and Hawaii. Texas orders ship Monday–Wednesday via UPS Ground. Out-of-state orders ship Monday and Tuesday via UPS expedited service.

No. We ship within the United States only — continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii. We can't ship to P.O. Boxes or military APO/FPO/DPO addresses.

Texas orders: 1–2 business days in metro areas, 3–4 days for rural areas. Out-of-state: 2–3 business days via UPS expedited service.

Out-of-state orders ship via UPS expedited by default. Overnight is available for an additional charge — call 830-997-3358 before your order ships to add it.

Yes. Every order ships in a recyclable box with a reusable insulated cooler and refreezable ice packs. Move products to refrigeration promptly on arrival. Contact us within 24 hours of the UPS 'delivered' scan if there's any issue.

Major credit and debit cards through Shopify's secure checkout. For wholesale or large B2B orders, contact us at info@opasfbg.com.

Contact us at info@opasfbg.com or 830-997-3358 within 24 hours of delivery. Include your order number and photographs of the packaging and product condition.

Yes, up to 48 hours before the scheduled ship date. After that, the order is locked. Email info@opasfbg.com or call 830-997-3358 with your order number.

Yes. Recurring delivery is available on all shippable items. Subscriptions can be paused, skipped, or cancelled any time up to 48 hours before the ship date.

Yes. Add a personalized message at checkout and we'll include a gift card. During the holiday season, a keepsake ornament is also included.

No. UPS does not deliver to P.O. Boxes or military APO/FPO/DPO addresses. A physical street address is required.

As early as possible. Holiday shipping deadlines are posted seasonally on opassmokedmeats.com. Sign up for our email list to receive cutoff dates.

Most are fully cooked, but heating brings out the flavor. To grill: medium heat, turning every few minutes, about 12–15 minutes total. To pan-sear: cast iron over medium heat with a little oil, 2–3 minutes per side. Avoid high heat — it can split the casing.

All Opa's hams are fully cooked — you're warming, not cooking. 275–300°F oven, covered with foil, about 15–18 minutes per pound to reach 140°F internal. For Honey Glazed: uncover the last 20 minutes and baste. Also excellent cold-sliced.

Fully cooked — you're warming, not cooking. 275°F oven, covered, approximately 15 minutes per pound until 165°F internal. Don't rush it with higher heat; it dries out.

Fully cooked and excellent cold — slice thin against the grain. For warm service: 275°F oven, covered with foil, 20–25 minutes. Always slice against the grain.

Yes. All our smoked meats freeze well for up to a year if frozen by the sell-by date. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, not at room temperature.

Keep refrigerated and refer to the sell-by date. Once opened, reseal and use within about 5 days. To keep longer, freeze by the sell-by date.

Our flagship is the Ultimate Sampler — a comprehensive variety of Opa's smoked meats and specialty items. For a focused tasting, the Sausage Sampler. For the household that grills often, the Sausage Trifecta. For premium meat, the Tenderloin Combo. All ship nationwide.

Boards, trays, and custom gift baskets are deli pickup only. For shipped gifts, our gift boxes ship nationwide cold in insulated packaging: Sausage Sampler, Tenderloin Combo, Ultimate Sampler, Breakfast Combo, Cured Beef and Turkey Combo, and others.

Yes. Digital gift cards are available in denominations from $25 to $250, delivered by email.

Yes. Our gift boxes are well-suited to client appreciation, employee recognition, and holiday programs. For large orders or multiple addresses, contact us at info@opasfbg.com or 830-997-3358.

Yes — in-store pickup only. Our team builds custom baskets by hand from the market inventory. Walk in or call ahead at 830-997-3358. Baskets cannot be shipped.

Monday–Friday 8 AM–5:30 PM, Saturday 8 AM–4 PM, closed Sunday. 410 S Washington Street, Fredericksburg, TX — just off Highway 87, two blocks from Main Street.

Yes. The deli has a tasting station with several rotating smoked sausage varieties. It's one of the best parts of visiting in person.

The full Opa's smoked-meat lineup, plus gourmet and specialty foods, gift items, cutlery, picnic baskets, German imports, craft sodas, specialty chips, and pantry items. You can also build a custom gift basket in person.

Yes — boneless pork, BBQ cuts, pork chops, fresh chickens, and ribeye steaks. For larger orders, call at least 36 hours in advance.

Yes. Butcher orders need about 36 hours' notice; catering needs 48 hours. Call 830-997-3358. Walk-ins are always welcome for everyday items.

We don't have dedicated indoor seating, but we have a picnic table and bench outside that guests are welcome to use.

Yes — box lunches, charcuterie boards, meat and cheese trays, sandwich platters, cheese boards, fruit trays, veggie trays, deviled eggs, German potato salad, and prepared salads. Bulk sausages by the pound. Call 830-997-3358 at least 48 hours in advance. Pickup only.

Any made-to-order sandwich with chips and a drink is $1 off, plus a free cookie. This is a permanent daily offering.

Contact us within 24 hours of delivery if there's any issue — damaged packaging, spoiled product, missing items, wrong product, or quality concerns — with photos and a description. We don't ask you to ship anything back, and we'll work with you to make it right.

No. Send us photographs of the issue and a description within 24 hours of the UPS 'delivered' scan, and we'll take it from there.

First report the issue to the store where you bought it. For product-specific concerns, you're welcome to contact us directly with photographs and proof of purchase.

Online orders that haven't shipped can be cancelled and refunded in full. For shipped orders with an issue, reach out within 24 hours with photos and we'll work with you to resolve it.

Once UPS confirms delivery, the package is the customer's responsibility. File a claim directly with UPS. To add signature confirmation to your order, call 830-997-3358 before it ships.