A teenager once started a business with five turkeys. That flock grew into a family operation now raising around 800,000 birds a year.
The same family’s turkeys have landed on tables at the White House. They also rescued a beloved old-school soda brand that many folks thought was gone for good.
Turkeys and sarsaparilla under one roof? I like that combination more than I probably should.
The best part is that you can visit the source. A small country store sits right on the farm grounds in Pennsylvania.
It sells whole birds, turkey barbecue, jerky, and glass-bottled soda with a lot of hometown history behind it.
What started as a teenager’s small flock has become a Thanksgiving tradition reaching far beyond the local community. The country store brings that history back to where it began, with farm-raised turkeys and regional favorites available directly from the family business.
Five Birds Started a Flock That Never Stopped Growing
Most teenagers would be happy saving up for a bike. In 1933, Fred Jaindl received five turkeys purchased by his father, John L.
Jaindl, at a county fair, launching what would become a multigenerational family business.
That tiny flock became the root of Jaindl Turkey Farm, now known as Jaindl Farms, in Orefield, Pennsylvania. It’s a classic case of starting small and refusing to quit.
Fred kept adding birds year after year. He learned the business by doing it, which is still the best teacher around.
Over the decades, those five turkeys multiplied into a major operation. Today the family raises roughly 800,000 turkeys a year, which is a lot of gobbling for one hillside.
The business also stayed in the family. Fred’s son, David Jaindl, carried the work forward and helped grow it even further.
I love that this story has no flashy shortcut. It’s just patience, hard work, and a stubborn belief that good birds would find good customers.
There’s a real lesson in this story for anyone with a small dream. Big things rarely begin big, and five birds proved that beautifully.
So the next time someone says your idea is too tiny to matter, point them toward this farm. Then maybe hand them a turkey sandwich and let the results do the talking.
Yes, These Turkeys Have Been to the White House
Plenty of farms brag about quality. Not many can say their turkeys showed up for Thanksgiving at the White House.
Jaindl Farms has supplied turkeys to the White House on multiple occasions over the years. That’s a pretty impressive line on the family resume.
Think about the pressure there for a second. Nobody wants to be the farm that sends a dry bird to the President’s table.
That kind of honor doesn’t happen by luck. It comes from decades of careful breeding, steady feeding, and attention to every detail on the farm.
The Jaindl family has long focused on raising a broad-breasted bird with plenty of meat. Their Grand Champion turkey line carries that reputation into homes across the country.
For regular families, the cool part is simple. You can buy from the same farm without a security clearance or a fancy invitation.
I believe stories like this make holiday food feel more special. Carving a bird with that kind of history gives the whole table something fun to talk about.
Just be ready for one relative to call it the presidential turkey all afternoon. Honestly, you’ll have earned the bragging rights.
The Country Store Is Where the Real Fun Begins
A farm visit usually means mud boots and a long walk. Here, it means a cozy country store with cold cases full of turkey goodies.
The shop sits right on the property at 3151 Coffeetown Rd, Orefield, PA 18069. It’s an easy stop for anyone in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania.
Inside, you’ll find fresh and frozen turkeys alongside plenty of smaller treats. The shelves also carry soups, hot sauces, and a handful of everyday sundries.
Published regular hours are Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to noon. Holiday hours may differ, so check the store’s current schedule before visiting.
Sunday is a day off, so plan around that. Nothing stings like driving out for turkey barbecue and finding a locked door.
Saturday shoppers should arrive early in the morning. That noon closing time sneaks up fast when you’re busy deciding between jerky and soup.
I like that the store keeps things simple and focused. You’re not wading through aisles of random stuff, just farm products made by the family behind them.
Bring a cooler if you’re traveling far. Your car will thank you on the ride home.
Turkey Barbecue Deserves a Spot in Your Shopping Bag
Shredded turkey simmered in tangy sauce might be the most underrated sandwich filling in Pennsylvania. Jaindl Farms happens to make its own version.
Turkey barbecue is a ready-to-heat product sold at the farm store. It’s the kind of thing that turns a lazy weeknight into a pretty great dinner.
Warm it up, pile it on a roll, and you’re basically done. Add chips and a pickle if you’re feeling fancy.
It also makes a smart move for parties and game days. A slow cooker full of barbecue keeps a crowd happy without much work from you.
Turkey is often a lighter choice than some other meats. That makes it a nice swap for families trying to mix up their usual lunch rotation.
Leftovers are another win here. Spoon it over a baked potato or tuck it into a wrap the next day.
I can’t imagine leaving the store without grabbing at least one container. It feels like buying a ticket to an easy dinner later in the week.
Honestly, Thanksgiving gets all the attention around here. This barbecue quietly proves turkey works just as well in July.
Snack Drawers Get a Serious Upgrade With Turkey Jerky
Road trips need snacks, and gas station options can get boring fast. Turkey jerky from the farm gives you something with a story behind it.
Jaindl Farms sells turkey jerky right alongside its whole birds. It’s lean, portable, and easy to toss into a backpack.
Hikers will appreciate how light it is to carry. Kids heading to sports practice might like it as a change from crackers.
The farm also offers turkey nuggets, including a gluten-free option. That’s handy for families who need to watch ingredients but still want an easy dinner.
Baking the nuggets in the oven keeps cleanup simple. A sheet pan, a bit of foil, and you’re ready for a quick meal.
I like how these smaller products make the farm useful all year. You don’t have to wait for a big holiday to enjoy what the Jaindl family raises.
A smart tip is to stock up while you’re already at the store. Jerky keeps well, so a few extra packs won’t go to waste.
Just hide one bag for yourself. Snacks like these have a sneaky habit of disappearing when other people spot them.
Holiday Stress Shrinks When You Order Ahead
November grocery stores can feel like a contact sport. Ordering your bird straight from Jaindl Farms can save you that hassle.
The farm takes turkey orders online and by phone ahead of the holidays. You can choose a pickup time and swing by the farm store when it’s ready.
Fresh turkeys are a big draw this time of year. Frozen options are also available for folks who like to plan way in advance.
Pay attention to the order details before you check out. Some holiday orders involve a deposit, with the balance due at pickup.
Size matters too, so think about your guest list first. A good rule is planning roughly a pound or more per person, with extra for leftovers.
The farm also ships turkeys to customers outside the area. That’s great news for Pennsylvania transplants missing their old holiday tradition.
I believe a little planning makes Thanksgiving so much calmer. Knowing your centerpiece is handled frees you up for pies and table decorations.
Set a reminder on your phone in early fall. Future you will be very grateful when the holiday rush begins.
Good Neighbors Make a Big Farm Feel Small
Raising hundreds of thousands of birds sounds like a giant, faceless operation. The Jaindl family has worked hard to keep a hometown feel anyway.
The farm is still family-owned and family-run. That matters in an industry where many big names belong to huge corporations.
Jaindl Farms also employs plenty of people from the surrounding area. Some team members have stayed with the company for decades, which says a lot about the workplace.
The family supports local causes and events around the Lehigh Valley. Sponsorships and community giving are part of how they stay connected to their neighbors.
Saving A-Treat soda was another community-minded move. It kept a piece of regional history alive instead of letting it fade away.
I like how this approach blends big business with small-town values. Growth didn’t erase the personal side of things.
Shopping at the farm store puts your money right back into the local area. That’s a simple way to support Pennsylvania agriculture without much effort.
Next time you pick up a turkey, remember the bigger picture. You’re joining a tradition that started with one determined teenager.
Make a Day of It Around the Lehigh Valley
Orefield sits just northwest of Allentown in the heart of the Lehigh Valley. That location makes a farm store stop easy to pair with other fun plans.
Allentown is only a short drive away. You’ll find museums, parks, and plenty of places to grab lunch.
The countryside around Jaindl Farms is pretty in every season. Fall is especially lovely, with farmland and colorful trees lining the back roads.
Families can build a whole Saturday around the trip. Just remember the store closes at noon that day, so make it your first stop.
Weekday visits give you more breathing room. The store stays open until 4 PM most weekdays and until 5 PM on Fridays.
Pack a cooler with ice packs before you leave home. That way your turkey products stay cold while you explore the area.
I can’t think of a better souvenir than a case of A-Treat and a bag of jerky. It beats a keychain by a mile.
Five turkeys started all of this nearly a century ago. Stopping by lets you taste how far that small idea has traveled.
