06/02/2025
To Our Valued Community and Loyal Patrons,
As we close the doors of The Smoke Haus for the final time, my sister Sue and I want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has supported us throughout the years. Yesterday marked the end of an era, but what remains is a lifetime of memories, friendships, and a legacy we are incredibly proud of.
For over 54 years, The Smoke Haus has been a family tradition—one started by our beloved parents, Al and Carol Yelencich. What began as a small-town butcher shop grew into something much more: a place where generations gathered, where stories were shared over the counter, and where quality, tradition, and care were served with every hand-cut steak and homemade sausage.
As butchers, my father and I poured our hearts into our craft, taking pride in every smoked and fresh meat product we offered. Our family recipes stood the test of time, with our beef sticks and jerky becoming staples in countless homes. But more than anything, it was never just about the meat—it was about people.
We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the friendships we’ve made and the loyalty we’ve been shown. To have served this community day in and day out—alongside my sister Sue, who was there by my side every single day—has been one of the greatest honors of our lives. We worked hard, we laughed a lot, and we built something that meant more than we could have imagined.
While it’s time now for us to retire and embrace a new chapter, The Smoke Haus is still filled with opportunity. The shop is officially for sale, and we hope the right person or family comes along to continue this cherished tradition. It’s more than a business—it’s a piece of our family’s heart, and a cornerstone of Columbus.
Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives. Thank you for believing in what we did. And thank you for being part of our story.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Tom Yelencich
Owner, The Smoke Haus
(With love and dedication, from Sue, too)
