Our History
Ray Martyniak Sr., founder of Ray’s, grew up in poverty in Detroit. This created a burning desire to obtain a better quality of life for his own family. To best do this, Ray Sr. drew upon his work experience and opened his first specialty butcher shop in Trenton, MI, in 1961. Ray’s Prime Beef eventually became Ray’s Prime Meats and then Ray’s Prime Foods. A true family-owned business, all 6 of Ray Sr.’s children worked at the store at early ages. Brent, Ray Sr.’s youngest child, maintains family ownership & many Martyniak family members continue to participate in store operations.
Ray’s Choice Meats
1961- Ray Sr. leases 1400 sp. Ft. building next to Elliot’s Bakery on West Rd. in Trenton, owning his own butcher shop for the first time.
Ray’s Prime Beef
1967-Ray Sr. acquires property across street from then leased building on West Rd. in Trenton and builds 6000 sq. ft. facility. Changes store name and relocates to new location
1970-Opens second location inside Southland Mall in Taylor.
1976-Opens third location as a partnership inside Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor
1978-Briarwood location closes.
1980-Southland store moves to current location in South Plaza Shopping Center, across from Southland Mall in Taylor.
1982-Store purchases proprietary smokehouse and establishes award winning “Hickray” brand for smoked products, including kielbasa, jerky, ribs, chickens, and hams.
Ray’s Prime Meats
1991-Ray Jr., Ray Sr.’s oldest child, acquires the business and Trenton location closes.
2006-Current location at South Plaza In Taylor expanded to 3400 sq. ft.
2015-Brent, Ray Fr.’s youngest son, acquires the business.
Ray’s Prime Foods
1991-Ray Jr., Ray Sr.’s oldest child, acquires the business and Trenton location closes.
2006-Current location at South Plaza in Taylor expanded to 3400 sq. ft.
2015-Brent, Ray Sr’s youngest son, acquires the business.
