The Rode Family History
Rode's began in 1880, when William and Fanny Rode drove their poultry and eggs, gathered from nearby farms, to market by horse and buggy. As their business grew in volume, a barge on the Raccoon Creek was also used to transport poultry to Philadelphia. Later, the firm's own trucks made daily trips to the Philadelphia and New York markets with fresh poultry.
In 1916 the business was purchased by William's son, Otto C. Rode. Markets, fine restaurants, hospitals and nursing homes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York were some of the businesses using Rode's fine quality poultry and eggs.
Following Otto's death in 1949, his sons Marvin and Earl Sr. continued the family business and tradition of good service for customers including A&P, Acme and Penn Fruit.
Upon Earl Sr's death in 1957, his sons Earl and Otto J., along with their Uncle Marvin, expanded by constructing a large building at 50 Paulsboro Road, housing offices, storage, coolers and freezers for the poultry, eggs and wholesale foods. A retail market and deli known as Rode's Roost was also added to the company in 1970. Otto J. passed away that year, at which time Earl's wife Elaine and sons David and Chris joined the family business.
Rode's BBQ Chicken began in the 1950's with cooking 30 halves of chicken on stainless steel racks over charcoal and sprayed with a vinegar, butter, and salt sauce. It has been the cornerstone of the business. The menu has since expanded from chicken, potato salad and corn on the cob to ribs, brisket, roast pig, pulled pork and many side dishes.
In 1990 David's wife Joyce joined the family business and together they opened Rode's Fireside Restaurant in Swedesboro, NJ. Rode's Fireside has since become a local, family friendly restaurant where customer's can enjoy a laid back environment and delicious meal with friends and family. Rode's Fireside has two comfortable fireplaces to settle up next to and one outdoor dining patio for the spring summer and fall months.
Otto C. Rode and Earl C. Rode Jr Inc. are now into the 5th and 6th generations.
In 1916 the business was purchased by William's son, Otto C. Rode. Markets, fine restaurants, hospitals and nursing homes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York were some of the businesses using Rode's fine quality poultry and eggs.
Following Otto's death in 1949, his sons Marvin and Earl Sr. continued the family business and tradition of good service for customers including A&P, Acme and Penn Fruit.
Upon Earl Sr's death in 1957, his sons Earl and Otto J., along with their Uncle Marvin, expanded by constructing a large building at 50 Paulsboro Road, housing offices, storage, coolers and freezers for the poultry, eggs and wholesale foods. A retail market and deli known as Rode's Roost was also added to the company in 1970. Otto J. passed away that year, at which time Earl's wife Elaine and sons David and Chris joined the family business.
Rode's BBQ Chicken began in the 1950's with cooking 30 halves of chicken on stainless steel racks over charcoal and sprayed with a vinegar, butter, and salt sauce. It has been the cornerstone of the business. The menu has since expanded from chicken, potato salad and corn on the cob to ribs, brisket, roast pig, pulled pork and many side dishes.
In 1990 David's wife Joyce joined the family business and together they opened Rode's Fireside Restaurant in Swedesboro, NJ. Rode's Fireside has since become a local, family friendly restaurant where customer's can enjoy a laid back environment and delicious meal with friends and family. Rode's Fireside has two comfortable fireplaces to settle up next to and one outdoor dining patio for the spring summer and fall months.
Otto C. Rode and Earl C. Rode Jr Inc. are now into the 5th and 6th generations.
