Ruzicka's Pork Patties Become Johnson County Sensation

Historic Solon meat processor's iconic barbecue burgers gain loyal following beyond hometown

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:39pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of premium-quality barbecue pork patties wrapped in butcher paper, resting on a clean, monochromatic background and illuminated by dramatic studio lighting.Ruzicka's signature barbecue pork patties, a beloved local staple that has gained a loyal following beyond Solon.Solon Today

Ruzicka's Meat Processing and Catering, a family-owned business in Solon, Iowa that has been operating since 1981, has become known for its signature barbecue pork patties. These patties, developed by the original owner through extensive testing, have become a beloved local staple and are now gaining popularity across Johnson County, with customers even taking them to other states to share with friends and family.

Why it matters

Ruzicka's success story highlights the resilience of small, family-owned businesses in the face of economic challenges like the Farm Crisis of the 1980s. The company's ability to not only survive but thrive and expand its reach is a testament to the power of community support and the appeal of high-quality, locally-sourced products. As a prominent local business, Ruzicka's also plays an important role in Solon's annual Beef Days festival, further cementing its place in the town's culture and identity.

The details

Ruzicka's Meat Processing and Catering was founded in 1981 by the Ruzicka family. The company's signature product, a barbecue pork patty, was developed by the original owner through extensive testing and has become the business's biggest seller, with an estimated 10,000 pounds produced annually. The patties have gained a loyal following both within Solon and beyond, with customers even taking them to other states to share with friends and family. Ruzicka's has also played a key role in Solon's annual Beef Days festival, selling not just pork patties but also ribeye steak sandwiches and bratwursts.

  • Ruzicka's Meat Processing and Catering was founded in 1981.
  • The company's barbecue pork patties were developed by the original owner in the early years of the business.
  • Ruzicka's has been a staple in the Solon community for 43 years.
  • On January 30, 2026, Ruzicka's pork patties were featured in a social media post by Jessica Andino, a candidate for the Johnson County Board of Supervisors.

The players

Ruzicka's Meat Processing and Catering

A family-owned meat processing and catering business that has been operating in Solon, Iowa since 1981.

Jeff Ruzicka

The co-owner of Ruzicka's Meat Processing and Catering and the son of the original owner.

Julie Uhlenkamp

The co-owner of Ruzicka's Meat Processing and Catering and Jeff Ruzicka's sister.

Jessica Andino

The executive director of the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition and a Democratic candidate for the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, who was raised in Solon and is a loyal customer of Ruzicka's.

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What they’re saying

“My dad was good with spices, recipes, and all that kind of stuff. Pork producers were looking for something to sell at the fair, or my dad was trying to create something for them.”

— Jeff Ruzicka, Co-owner, Ruzicka's Meat Processing and Catering

“They kept telling him 'no.' They kept telling him 'no,' and finally they approved it. And they've (the patties) just taken off and grown over the years.”

— Julie Uhlenkamp, Co-owner, Ruzicka's Meat Processing and Catering

“I intentionally spend money where I think it is deserved. Knowing that they are employing folks from the county, knowing that they are processing food from the county, and just knowing that they're doing good, I like to support them.”

— Jessica Andino, Candidate for Johnson County Board of Supervisors

What’s next

Ruzicka's plans to continue expanding its reach and popularity of its signature barbecue pork patties throughout Johnson County, building on the growing demand and loyal customer base both within Solon and beyond.

The takeaway

Ruzicka's Meat Processing and Catering's success story demonstrates the enduring appeal of small, family-owned businesses that prioritize quality, community, and tradition. Despite facing economic challenges like the Farm Crisis of the 1980s, Ruzicka's has not only survived but thrived, becoming a beloved local institution and a source of pride for the Solon community.