For more than five decades, Rieker’s Prime Meats has been a staple of Northeast Philadelphia’s culinary scene. Founded by Walter and Ursula Rieker in 1970, the family‑owned market moved to its current Oxford Avenue location in 1972 and has continued to serve traditional German fare made with ingredients imported directly from Germany.
Family heritage and daily craftsmanship
Ursula Rieker, now in her mid‑80s, still oversees the market’s meat case, insisting that the shop’s lunch meats are seasoned only with German spices – a claim she says no other local vendor can match. “Our lunch meat is made with only spices from Germany. Nobody has that,” she explains.
Her son, Marcus Rieker, took over the business 21 years ago and runs the operation today. He describes a rigorous daily routine: “We make sausage every day, especially the fresh sausages are made every morning. Some of the smoked products we’ll make maybe every second day.” The shop’s lineup includes classic Rauchpeitschen, Pfefferwurst, Hungarian‑style bratwurst, and the signature Oktoberfest bratwurst, which features caraway seed, marjoram and seasoning sourced from Germany.
Authentic recipes and unique offerings
Many of the sausages, such as the Oktoberfest variety, are lighter in color because they blend veal with pork. Marcus adds, “I have the Oktoberfest bratwurst, you know, which has the caraway seed, marjoram and the seasoning that we get from Germany.” The market also stocks German accompaniments – mustard, pickles, red cabbage and sauerkraut – to round out a traditional platter.
Beyond sausages, Rieker’s prepares German potato salad by the bucket, hand‑made Spätzle noodles, beef goulash, schnitzel, and a house‑made Black Forest chicken stuffed with bread and sausage filling, wrapped in bacon. “We make now unbelievable sausages,” Ursula says, noting the range of uncooked, cooked and smoked products on display.
Community focus and Oktoberfest pre‑orders
Ursula’s daughter, Caroline, greets customers at the front while her mother stocks shelves with imported German goods. The family emphasizes a communal dining experience: “Mustard is the big thing right now in Oktoberfest. You need good pickles.” For larger gatherings, the shop offers an Oktoberfest special that must be pre‑ordered at least three days in advance with a minimum of ten people, encouraging friends and families to share the feast.
Ursula, who still enjoys a slice of Leberkäse for dinner at age 85, jokes, “Maybe we’ll see you when I’m 100.” Her dedication to preserving the Rieker legacy reflects a broader commitment to family values and cultural heritage that resonates with Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods.
Visit Rieker’s Prime Meats
Rieker’s Prime Meats welcomes patrons at 7979 Oxford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111. Whether you’re seeking a quick sandwich, a hearty soup, or a full Oktoberfest spread, the market offers a taste of German tradition right in the heart of Northeast Philadelphia.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
