Harry Ochs Out at Terminal After 105 Years

Yesterday was the last day of business for Harry Ochs Prime Meats in the Reading Terminal Market. Nich Ochs, owner of the 105 year-old business issued a statement saying that “it was best to close our shop at Reading Terminal Market now, after 105 years, because of many of the personnel and policy changes at the market in the past few years. The Ochs Family, in particular my late father, have been steadfast in our support of the market, and spearheaded efforts to keep the market alive when many tried to close it down. The past year or so has been difficult, but I am grateful to our many loyal customers and friends who have always supported our efforts.”

A message by Karen Lawler Ochs on the Reading Terminal’s Facebook page states that Harry Ochs & Sons will be opening in the Main Street Market in Manayunk.

In February it was reported that Ochs was behind in rent and faced eviction from the Market. The Reading Terminal Market without Ochs will be appalling to many whose families have shopped the stall for generations. The exit marks a stunning turning of events. It was just six years ago that Harry Ochs day was celebrated by the City of Philadelphia and the The 1000 block of Filbert was christened Harry Ochs Way. Now the butcher and his block are gone.

Photo via Wikipedia