“Joe Hryszlo, [original owner of The Sausage Shop] was kind enough to share his recipes with us. The Sausage Shop has helped us in a lot of aspects. We’d want to be able to do the same for someone else.”

Leticia & Miguel Hernandez

Photo By/Courtesy of Meredith E. Abarca

Leticia, better known as Lety, and her husband, Miguel Hernandez acquired The Sausage Shop, located at 3903 Tompkins Street, El Paso, Texas in January 2007. But they had been part of its history and operation much earlier. Joseph Hryszko, the original owner, was Lety’s sister’s father-in-law. Joe was born in Harrison, New Jersey, and joined the US Army at age 18. He attended boot camp in El Paso and fell in love with the city, the culture, and the people. Over his career, he was stationed at Ft. Bliss several times, and early on knew this is where he would retire. Joe was the first generation from his family to make El Paso his home along with his wife Clarita and four children. He lived approximately 50 years in El Paso, TX, until his passing, August 6, 2010. The Sausage Shop, however, remains a family business. Lety and Miguel’s family members, sons, grandchildren, niece and nephew have been part of the daily operation of The Sausage Shop. The Hernandez continue making many of the sausages Joe made, but have added their own creations: Pico de Gallo; Roasted Garlic/Jalapeno; Jalapeno Cheddar; Bacon Brat; Bacon, Cheddar Brats and a Habanero Cheese Dip. They, on a number of occasions, have (and will) prepare special family recipes, for example, South African Boerewors, Argentine Chorizo, and Pinklewurst. (02/27/2022)

“We are grateful for our clients”

Videos

1) Joseph Hryszko's Dream

2) The Hernandez Take Over

3) Sausage of the Border and Beyond

4) Leticia & Miguel's Full Food Story (Audio)

Recipes

Sausage Making Demo

By: Miguel & Leti Hernandez
Type: German
Serves: 30 People
 Prep Time: 20 minutes
 Cook Time: 20 minutes

Resources

Scholarly Reflection: “Southwestern Flavors in German-Polish Sausage Making”

Scholarly Sources: “Familial Wealth: Family Owned Businesses” STOPHERE

Leticia and Miguel (The Sausage Shop)/Audio: UTEP's Institute of Oral History

"Food is a right, not a privilege."
“Jesus ate cheese!”