As reported by Cleveland.com, Ray’s Sausage is a family-owned meatpacking business that was founded in 1952 and remains open to this day. However, accusations that the company was responsible for the foul odors wafting throughout the neighborhood nearly destroyed the business. At one point, the owner was forced to have the building’s entire sewer system removed and replaced, as the city blamed the sewer for the odor of rotting meat. It was ultimately made clear that the odor was not coming from Ray’s Sausage, but the family was stuck with a hefty bill and a damaged reputation.
Although the city of Cleveland had suggested they would assist Ray’s Sausage with relocating and expanding their business, Cleveland 19 says it never came to fruition. Ray’s daughter, Leslie Lester, said it would cost more than $80,000 to make the move without the city’s help, and she and her family never heard back from the city. At this point, the family simply does not have $80,000. They are also having trouble securing a business loan, as they have never sought financing and have not established a credit history with any banks.
As stated on the company’s website, the family still hopes to relocate and expand their operations at some point. They would also like to obtain a Federal USDA certification, which would allow them to sell their products outside the state of Ohio.
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