The U.S. Small Business Administration states, “Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. This year, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Please join SBA and organizations across the country in supporting your local small businesses by shopping at a small business.

“Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by SBA since 2011, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season.”

In honor of Small Business Saturday, Niagara Frontier Publications presents its annual spotlight on local merchants.

The Niagara Sausage Co. Meat & Deli owners Bryan Lozinsky and Norm Schneider.

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The Niagara Sausage Co. Meat & Deli

5611 Lockport Road (just west of Military Road), Niagara Falls

By Patrick J. Bradley

Senior Contributing Writer

Great things often come in small packages. For local small businesses, greatness depends on providing quality products along with knowledgeable and friendly service.

It’s a formula that’s worked for more than a decade at Niagara Sausage Company Meat & Deli in the Town of Niagara.

Bryan Lozinsky, a Lewiston resident, and Norm Schneider of Getzville took a leap of faith in 2013 when they leased a small, single-story building at 5611 Lockport Road, just west of Military Road.

The pair had been working together as meat cutters at area supermarkets while making sausage in Schneider’s basement to give to family members and friends. As word spread, they began selling their sausage, too.

They soon outgrew their home-based business and were looking for a suitable place to expand their business when they spotted the Lockport Road building. It had previously been occupied by an appliance sales and repair business and would need some work. But it had potential.

“We just saw that it was for rent – the perfect size for what we were looking for,” Lozinsky said.

When it was ready, they opened the doors at their new location and began building what is now a large and growing base of satisfied customers.

“Thirteen years ago, we were working for other people,” Lozinsky said. “When you own your own business, you’re able to show what you can do when not following other’s game plans.”

They’ve obviously done a great deal. The business now serves hundreds of customers a week. Saturdays are always busy, as are days leading up to Buffalo Bills home games, when area football fans stock up for tailgate parties.

Those customers are buying a lot more than several varieties of specialty sausage. Steaks, roasts, chicken, fish, cold cuts and other items are available daily. Meat purchases are cut to order.

The deli is managed by longtime employee Jaclyn Morris, who said the store’s ability to get products delivered six days a week ensures their offerings are always fresh.

Morris and co-worker Shanna Olszewski take pride in making their customers feel welcome and providing outstanding service.

“We get to know the customers well,” Morris said. “We see a lot of regulars. Sometimes we’ll know what they’re going to order before they even tell us.”

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The Niagara Sausage Co. is a firm believer in supporting other local businesses and offers products from Wardynski’s, Sahlen’s, Schneider’s Seafood, Boulevard Produce and, of course, the Buffalo Coffee Roastery in Sanborn.

Lozinsky said Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, which will take place Nov. 24-25, will mark the beginning of a busy holiday season at The Niagara Sausage Co. Meat & Deli. Prime rib roast will be on sale and premium Smith’s Premium ham will be among the big sellers, he said.

An ad featuring the store’s weekly specials can be found on its Facebook page.

In the photo (s) of the women behind the counter Jaclyn is on the left with Shanna on the right.

The Niagara Sausage Co. Meat & Deli is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday through Saturday; and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

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SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY 2023

More About Small Business Saturday

In the 2023 American Express Shop Small Impact Study:

•The majority of small business owners (88%) said small businesses need the support of customers in their community given the current economic environment.

•More than half (55%) of small business owners anticipate Small Business Saturday will make a significant contribution to their overall holiday sales this year.

•Consumers are ready to rally behind their local neighborhood businesses and be a part of the “Shop Small” movement. In fact, 78% of those surveyed agree small businesses are essential to their community.

So, #shopsmall this year.

To learn more, visit https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/benefits/shop-small/.

>> Click here for a list of participating merchants

See also >> Small Business Saturday 2023: 'Support Local Everything'