Our Story
In 1962, Gerry and Herman Schinkel purchased Roberts Meat Market from the Roberts brothers, whose father, C.W. Roberts, had founded the business in 1912. From the start, the Schinkel brothers made significant improvements, leading to steady growth and expansion.
In the early 1980s, Herman moved to Chatham and opened his own store, modeled closely after their successful Essex location. Meanwhile, Gerry continued developing the Essex store until he sold it to his son, Greg, just before the new millennium. Under Greg’s leadership, the business flourished, and in 2019, he relocated to a much larger space in Essex—a move that sparked immediate and rapid growth.
Greg and his wife, Andrea, have built their success on a commitment to quality products and unique offerings not found in supermarkets. Today, the business boasts an impressive selection of fresh and frozen meats, deli meats, and specialty cheeses, including unique flavors. The 2019 expansion also introduced Traeger pellet grills, making Schinkel’s an authorized Traeger dealer. Additionally, the new location allowed for a significant increase in grocery and dry goods offerings. With this growth, the workforce expanded from 17 employees to over 30.
Schinkel’s has a longstanding connection to its Dutch heritage. In the 1970s, Gerry and Herman began selling imported Dutch groceries. Greg and Andrea proudly continue that tradition and have expanded it with goods supplied by Global Reach Confections and More to provide authentic products from their roots.
Greg and Andrea are passionate about delivering excellent service and high-quality products. They take pride in creating a welcoming shopping experience, where friendly interactions with customers are part of the daily routine. The store’s bright, clean, and open atmosphere—enhanced by a recent renovation and expansion—ensures that every visit is enjoyable.
IT’S BETTER AT SCHINKEL’S!
