That's Why We Is Smarter

The use of fire by humans has long been considered a defining property of intelligence, separating us from other animals.

More specifically, anthropologic evidence suggests that when humans started cooking meat over a controlled flame, we experienced the largest advancement in the evolution of our intellect. Scientists speculate that the energy used to chew and digest tough, raw meat was now being redirected to more important things – like growing our brains.

True or not, it doesn’t matter. Because most of us agree that whether it’s roasted, broiled, grilled, fried, braised, simmered, stewed, or poached, a perfectly prepared piece of meat is nothing short of pure bliss.

That said, all meat is not created equal. We’ve all choked down a steak that bore a closer resemblance to shoe leather than a steak that cuts like butter and melts in your mouth. You know, the one you brag about with all your friends.

Well, now you can tell that juicy, tender story any time you want because since November 2022, the best meat you’ll find in central Wisconsin is right here in Rome. That’s when brothers Jeff and Marc Trott, along with Jeff’s son-in-law Tony Rennhack, opened Rome Country Meats and Deli.

When they heard that Pritzl’s Trading Post, which had a prevalent meat and deli counter, was closing, they knew that now was the time to chase a dream they had shared for almost 20 years.

With business plans in hand, they went into action – finding a perfect location in the Rome Town Center, building a store with room to grow, and lining up suppliers of the best meats, cheeses, and sauces they could find. They even recruited long-time Pritzl’s butcher, Todd Kissinger, to lend his skills and expertise to the effort.

“The timing was right. People loved Pritzl’s. Sure, Kwik Trip (which now stands on that corner) has a lot to offer and we’re glad they’re here, but we wanted to create a store with a small town, get-to-know-everyone kinda vibe. We wanted to offer things you just can’t get at a gas station. Or even Piggly Wiggly and Pick n Save for that matter.”

Walk into Rome Country Meats and Deli and you’ll see immediately that they’re delivering on that vision. You’ll be greeted by smiles from every direction and a friendly, welcoming “how can I help you?”

Peer into the perfectly organized display cases, and you’ll be faced with maybe the hardest decision you’ll have to make all day. But that’s OK, because there’s no wrong choice.

Is it gonna be the porterhouse or the ribeye? The T-bone or the tenderloin? Or maybe thick-cut pork chops? Or chicken? Or shrimp?

See what I mean? They all look amazing! Cuz they are.

But that’s not all. There are fresh sausages made daily from the finest cuts of pork - Kielbasa, Polish, and a variety of mouthwatering brats. Cook them any way you want, but most Wisconsinites know there’s nothing better than the smoky char you get from a flaming grill.

As crazy as it sounds though, we know there are some people who don’t eat meat. That’s OK. We still love you. And, for you there’s a great selection of seafood – shrimp, salmon, even lobster.

Need something for a quick dinner or late-night snack? Try one of their fresh, handmade pizzas. All your favorites are there and ready for you to “take-and-bake” at home. Want something special? Just let them know. They’ll make it for you in a matter of minutes.

How about lunch? Then you gotta try one of their already famous Stacker Sandwiches – savory deli meats and cheeses piled as high as you like on a soft Kaiser roll.

No matter your fancy, Rome Country Meats and Deli is sure to have something for everybody.

And thank you, Mr. Smarty Pants Caveman, for standing up and showing off your culinary skills to the amazement of everyone around the fire.

Written by: Lydell Capritta