College Station Deli Closing After 6 Decades

Readfield Meats and Deli, a family-owned business, will shut its doors on April 30.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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After 66 years in business, the owners of Readfield Meats and Deli in the Bryan-College Station area have decided to retire and close the family-owned retail meat market and deli on April 30. The beloved deli, known for its award-winning smoked sausages, marinated fajitas, and dried smoked jerky, will continue operating through Easter weekend before discounting inventory ahead of the final closure.

Why it matters

The closure of Readfield Meats and Deli marks the end of an era for a long-standing local business that had become a fixture in the Bryan-College Station community. The deli's retirement comes as small, independent businesses continue to face challenges in the face of changing consumer habits and the rise of larger grocery chains.

The details

Readfield Meats and Deli, located just three miles from Texas A&M University, has been open in the Brazos Valley since 1960. The family-owned and operated butcher shop and delicatessen was known for its wide selection of meats, grocery items, prepared party trays, and local and imported products. The owners, brothers Richard, Larry, and Roland Ruffino, have decided to retire after decades of running the business that was started by their parents.

  • Readfield Meats and Deli has been open in the Brazos Valley since 1960.
  • The deli will continue operating through Easter weekend (April 6, 2026).
  • Readfield Meats and Deli will close its doors permanently on April 30, 2026.

The players

Readfield Meats and Deli

A family-owned retail meat market and deli that has been operating in the Bryan-College Station area for 66 years.

Richard, Larry, and Roland Ruffino

The brothers who own and operate Readfield Meats and Deli, and have decided to retire and close the business.

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What’s next

Readfield Meats and Deli will continue operating through Easter weekend (April 6, 2026) before discounting inventory ahead of the final closure on April 30, 2026.

The takeaway

The closure of Readfield Meats and Deli, a beloved local institution, highlights the ongoing challenges facing small, independent businesses as consumer habits and the retail landscape continue to evolve. The retirement of the Ruffino brothers after decades of operating the deli marks the end of an era for the Bryan-College Station community.