'Makes good sense.' 3D Meats expanding to Massillon, opening a retail store

MASSILLON – A Dalton-based food business is expanding into the City of Champions, taking over the former Discount Outlet building .

The family-owned 3D Meats is bringing a retail store to the approximately 22,000-square-foot building at 1070 First St. NE, said manager Logan Haer, who added that the business should be up and running by this fall.

"This will be five times larger than what we have (currently)," said Haer, noting that meat processing and butchering will remain top priorities at 3D Meats in Dalton, which has been in operation since 2014 at 14740 Lincoln Way E.

Grocery and retail sales, as well as meat product storage, will be the primary focus in Massillon, Haer said.

Logan Rohr, a Wooster-area livestock farmer and owner of 3D Meats, bought the Discount Outlet store and property for $715,000 last September via auction. Discount Outlet shuttered its doors last fall after nearly 30 years in business at the nearly 2-acre site.

The business operates a "Farm to Table" grocery store, offering fresh beef, pork, chicken and multiple in-house smoked products.

"We have lots of customers over there," Haer said about the Massillon site. "So growing (our business) there makes good sense."

The Massillon store is expected to have 20 to 30 employees and be open seven days a week. Business hours and an opening date have yet to be set.

3D Meats bringing more to Massillon table than just meat

3D Meats in Massillon will have a grocery-store feel, Haer said, including larger bulk beef options for customers; pre-made meals to go, such as pulled pork and chicken; larger frozen-food offerings; more samples of dairy products; and produce such as corn, beans, tomatoes and lettuce.

Liquor sales and outside or inside dining are possibilities further down the road, Haer said.

3D Meats is remodeling the Massillon site and is in the process of spending well into six figures on the effort.

"We've got a ways to go, but it's coming along," said Rohr.

Ted Herncane, Massillon's development director , called 3D Meats a great new business partner for the city.

"As a locally owned and operated company with quality products, 3D Meats is a welcomed addition to the Massillon business community," he said.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com . On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: 'Makes good sense.' 3D Meats expanding to Massillon, opening a retail store