Morrilton Packing, better known as Petit Jean Meats, is such an institution that generations of Arkansans have grown up on its products. It’s so popular that restaurants all over the state proudly tout Petit Jean ham, bacon or sausages on their menu. It’s been so successful that it’s outlasted all the competition to become the only privately owned red meat processor in the state.

None of these accolades suggest that Petit Jean Meats is a museum piece. Though the company is nearing its 90th anniversary, it continues to expand and innovate. The Ruff family, representing the third and fourth generations of family ownership, has worked to modernize its processes and grow its business from Arkansas to the rest of the country.