Erv’s Market!

I never knew Jersey Shore the way I do now. Working there three days a week for the past few years, I’ve really gotten to know the area. It’s such a cute little town with some great businesses. I got into the habit of stopping by Erv’s Market on 229 S. Main Street, right in Jersey Shore. A business that has been in the heart of Jersey Shore since 1985. That’s the year I was born! Thirty-nine years it has been around. The business has endured three different owners since. Erv and Barb Rauch founded Erv’s and ran the business from 1985 to 2018. His brother Doug and Lori Rauch owned it from 2018-2022. Dave & Mary Closs bought it in July 2022 and still own it.

What is Erv’s Market, and what do they sell? Erv’s Market is a butcher shop. They have all kinds of really great meats they offer. Ground chuck is one of their most popular items. It is a very lean burger. Smoked pork chops, bologna, mini beef sticks, smoked cheeses, and marinated steaks are also a popular pick. I know firsthand about their beef sticks! That is honestly what pulled me into there for the first time.

Some of our best friends, Shawn and Tania Myers, who lived in Jersey Shore for many years, had some amazing beef jerky and beef sticks on vacation when we all went to Gatlinburg in September 2022. They were so good that when we arrived home from vacation and returned to work the following week, I stopped in for some of my own. Dave and Mary, the business owners, were behind the counter and made me feel so welcome. I was greeted with a hello and a big smile. Each time I went back, I really got to know them. I went in about every two to three weeks for the longest time, keeping us stocked on my favorite cheese-filled beef sticks! Over time, I learned that they had just bought the business.

They not only butcher meat but also cater and offer side salads that start at $25. Things like baked beans, mac and cheese, pickled eggs, coleslaw, dill pickle, potato, macaroni, broccoli, and pasta salads with a 48-hour notice.

During the holidays, they take orders for Easter and Christmas hams and fresh turkeys from a local farm at Thanksgiving. Follow them on Facebook at Erv’s Meat Market to watch for specials like this one. They also offer venison processing. Venison includes making hot dogs, sausage, bologna, marinated steak, and more! Call them for more details at 570-398-4021.

Dave and Mary are flexible and here to help with anything they can. I promise you will feel right at home in their place of business. They also sell bulk items at a cheaper price, and starting soon, they will be offering hot soups! It’s in the works right now. I’m excited for this one!

Come July, they are having a raffle for their anniversary month. Anyone who spends $20 or more gets a chance to win a wagon full of goodies! Stop by and see them there in the heart of Jersey Shore.

Their summer hours are: Tuesday 12-6, Wednesday & Thursday 10-4, Friday 10-5, and Saturday 9-1.

I just recently found out about their smoked pork chops. Tania said it was one of her and Shawn’s favorites. I asked her how she cooked them, and she told me she just added Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce and grilled them.

When I stopped into Erv’s for meat sticks, I grabbed some smoked pork chops to try, and boy, they did not let me down! The best pork chop I ever had. Tyler, my son, isn’t a huge fan of pork, but he absolutely loved them and ended up polishing off the rest of his sister’s pork chop, too! (They are huge!) Did I get extra fancy with them? No. I seasoned them a little and used Sweet Baby Ray’s like Tania told me. They were so easy for a hot summer day and tasted so good! Unfortunately, we didn’t get to grill them, but baking them was just as good. They were so simple to make, but it felt like such a fancy dinner that night with paper plates, haha!

Stop by today to visit Erv’s and check out their cute little store! Try some smoked pork chops, beef sticks, jerky, and some of their other fresh cuts. They offer a lot to the community, and supporting local businesses is the way to go! Plus, those pork chops are perfect for your next grilling night. So simple and delicious. That, or try some of their pre-marinated meats. Make life a little easier. Shop local, and enjoy a delicious meal that is ready to go.

BBQ Glazed Smoked Pork Chop

Ingredients:
• Smoked Pork Chops from Erv’s Market
• A bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s (Or your favorite BBQ sauce)
Directions:

Generously grease a pan big enough to fit all your chops.

Place the chops in the pan and season well with salt and pepper.

Brush on BBQ sauce generously and cover with foil.

Bake for about 40 minutes at 350°, but about halfway through cooking, brush on some more BBQ sauce. (Add a little water to the pan if needed.)

Chops will be ready. Enjoy!