Since it launched five years ago, Corridor Sausage has become something of a household name in metro Detroit. The artisan sausage maker spent the last year growing its brand statewide, doubling in size in the process.
"2014 was great," says Will Branch, co-owner of
Corridor Sausage. "It was our first full year to cover distribution across Michigan."
In 2015, Branch and his partner have their sights beyond Michigan, hoping to expand into other major Midwestern markets like Chicago and Cleveland.
"We really want to grow the brand," Branch says. "There is a lot of excitement for it."
Corridor Sausage made a permanent home in Eastern Market a couple of years ago after receiving approval from the USDA to sell its products in large quantities, which in turn enabled the company to meet its growing demand.
"Each year we have grown," Branch says. "We have a least doubled our revenue each year."
And the number of places where people can buy Corridor Sausage has grown at the same rate. The company can be found in a variety of restaurants and grocery stores, and some high-profile spots including The Henry Ford. It also opened a new location in Ford Field last year, and is talking to the
Michigan International Speedway about a potential stand there later this year. Corridor Sausage is also preparing to open a stand in
Metro Airport in August.
"It's an audience (in Metro Airport) that would probably never see us otherwise," Branch says.
Corridor Sausage currently employs 10 people, adding several interns each summer. It has hired seven people over the last year, including sales and production professionals.
Source: Will Branch, co-owner of Corridor Sausage
Writer: Jon Zemke
Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.
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