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Festival Foods

Wisconsin grocer delivering community-focused service

Meat Cutter

Full-TimeDeadline 8/13/27
No salary listed
Junior
De Pere, WI, USA
In PersonTravel to multiple work locations up to 50 miles from the home store is required.
RetailRetail Store Management

About the job

Requirements
  • A Wisconsin Certified Food Manager License is required, with reimbursement available if obtained while employed.
  • The ability to lead, coach, and motivate others is required.
  • The ability to deal tactfully and effectively with guests and associates is required.
  • Knowledge of technology and computer use is required.
  • The ability to read, write, and perform simple math problems is required.
  • Knowledge of the retail food business and perishable department operations, along with merchandising skills and the ability to make timely and effective decisions, is required.
  • The ability to process all varieties of meat while operating tools safely is required.
  • Thorough understanding of meat types, cuts, and preparation methods is required.
  • Training and knowledge of the equipment and procedures needed to complete the job are required.
  • The ability to interpret and follow instructions and solve problems is required.
  • Understanding of, or the ability to quickly learn, applicable local, state, and federal regulations and food-handling and sanitation requirements is required.
  • Applicants must be over 18 years of age.
  • At least 12 months of previous experience cutting meat, including use of knives and power equipment such as slicers, grinders, cubing machines, and power saws, is required.
  • The ability to travel to multiple work locations is required.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills are required.
  • Customer service skills are required.
  • Dependability and flexibility are required.
  • The employee must be able to stand for long periods and regularly bend, stoop, and kneel.
  • The employee must occasionally lift 50 to 80 pounds.
  • The job requires repetitive arm and hand movements, eye-hand coordination, substantial hand strength, and prolonged standing.
  • The employee must be able to work primarily in a cutting room maintained at 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • The employee must be able to work mornings, afternoons, weekends, holidays, and, as needed, evenings or overnight shifts.
  • The employee must be able to travel up to 50 miles from the home store.
Responsibilities
  • Travel to multiple stores to cut meat, work the service counter, fill processed or frozen meat and seafood cases, and train meat department associates.
  • Assist the Meat Manager in achieving business metric goals, including product ordering, merchandising, productivity, and shrink control.
  • Fill fresh, frozen, and processed cases as needed while meeting quantity expectations.
  • Assist other areas of the department as requested to meet department goals and objectives.
  • Perform non-case-ready meat production, including cutting, trimming, grinding, wrapping, marinating, and sausage making.
  • Prepare visually appealing products by attending to production details.
  • Reduce shrink by following production planning tools, cutting lists, recipes, trim standards, and waste-minimization practices.
  • Replenish meat department supplies as needed.
  • Collaborate with the Meat Manager and Assistant Meat Manager on par levels for fresh meat cuts, grinds, and backstock.
  • Assist with writing and placing meat and supply orders.
  • Train Utility team members in grinding, cutting service-counter products, cutting special orders, wrapping, labeling, and filling products.
  • Perform daily department sanitation and organize and clean work areas, shelving, and the sales floor.
  • Maintain food safety and grind logs.
  • Complete periodic cutting-yield tests with the Meat Manager and Assistant Meat Manager.
  • Verify meat deliveries for accuracy.
  • Inspect displayed products for close or expired dates, remove products when necessary, and maintain markdown policy.
  • Provide customer service at the service counter.
  • Help guests find items and answer questions about meat types, cuts, and preparation.
  • Take and complete special orders and requests in a timely manner.
  • Answer the telephone and assist callers using proper phone etiquette.
  • Maintain regular, timely attendance and provide adequate notice for occasional absences.
  • Reinforce Festival culture, guest service, and performance expectations to Meat associates.

About the company

Festival Foods is a Wisconsin-based grocer with 40+ full-service supermarkets. It provides groceries and everyday essentials with a focus on strong customer service and value, supported by extensive associate benefits and programs that aim to empower staff. The stores stock a wide range of products in a traditional grocery format, including fresh departments, household items, and personal care, and they emphasize community involvement in their operations. Unlike many competitors, Festival Foods differentiates itself through its commitment to giving back to Wisconsin communities and treating guests and associates as top priorities. The company’s goal is to serve Wisconsin communities with reliable, friendly service and good value while supporting its employees and local programs.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

De Pere, Wisconsin

Founded

1946

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Todd Schnuck closed the acquisition on October 20, 2025, adding 51 stores and scale.
  • Festival opened Kimberly on September 20, 2026, and Hudson opens November 8, 2026.
  • Adam Whitney became COO in August 2026, tightening merchandising and fresh execution.

What critics are saying

  • Festival faces a $7.5 million overtime settlement in Dyer v. Skogen’s Foodliner, Inc.
  • Greenfield closed after a November 4, 2026 WARN layoff notice, signaling weak locations.
  • Failed integration erases Festival’s local-brand advantage and triggers customer defections.

What makes Festival Foods unique

  • Festival Foods keeps 42 Wisconsin stores and local banners under 1939 Group, since 2025.
  • Its community-focused format survived Schnuck ownership, preserving headquarters in Wisconsin and store-level autonomy.
  • Mark Skogen’s 2025 sale protected employee legacy through ESOP inclusion and banner continuity.

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Benefits

Employee Discounts

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Parental Leave

Wellness Program

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Company News

Insight on Business
Sep 16th, 2025
Schnuck Markets Acquires Festival Foods

Schnuck Markets, Inc. has acquired 100% of the shares of Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, Inc. through the 1939 Group, Inc., owned by the Schnuck family. The acquisition includes shares from CEO Mark Skogen and the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The 1939 Group will maintain the existing store banners and corporate headquarters, with Todd Schnuck as Chairman and CEO. The transaction is expected to close in October, subject to customary approvals.