A small Kansas meat market has been making its famous ring bologna from a Czech family recipe since 1922. Brant’s Market in Lucas is also known for homemade sausages, beef sticks, jerky, and traditional specialties that are becoming harder to find.
The business nearly disappeared in 2018 when the Brant family closed the shop. New owners stepped in, reopened it that summer, and kept the original recipes alive.
Today, visitors can browse fresh meats, specialty cheeses, and Kansas-made products alongside the market’s longtime favorites. There is even an old Bohemian liverwurst called jaternice that has its own devoted following.
Before making the trip, it helps to know which specialties to try, what makes this century-old market different, and when the Lucas location is open.
1. A Brick Storefront With a 1922 Secret
Brant’s Market sits at 125 S Main St, Lucas, KS 67648, in the heart of north-central Kansas. The building looks modest from the sidewalk, but it has been serving meat to this town since 1922.
That year, James and Marie Brant bought what was then Harrison and Sons Meat Shop. James brought family recipes from his homeland of Czechoslovakia, and those recipes became the soul of the store.
Four generations of Brants kept the business going. Inside, I spotted original equipment that dates back roughly to the early 1900s, and the old fixtures give the room a calm, lived-in feel.
The store also has an in-house brick smoker, which explains the smoky aroma that greeted me before I even reached the counter. My nose found the place faster than my map did.
A quick tip for planning: the Lucas shop is a small space, so busy summer weekends can feel snug. Arrive early if you want room to browse.
And wait until you hear how this beloved shop nearly vanished for good.
2. The Year the Town Almost Lost Its Bologna
Early in 2018, the market closed its doors, and you could practically hear the whole region groan. Families who had stopped here for decades suddenly had nowhere to buy their favorite ring bologna.
The quiet did not last long. Adam and Ashley Comeau purchased the business and reopened it in the summer of 2018.
What impressed me most was how carefully they handled the hand-off. Third-generation owner Doug Brant taught them the family recipes himself, so the flavors stayed true.
Longtime customers noticed right away. Folks who had visited since childhood found that the bologna tasted just like they remembered, which is the highest praise a small-town shop can earn.
The Comeaus also run a second location in Plainville, so the Brant name now reaches a bit farther across the prairie. Still, the Lucas store carries that original spark.
Stories like this one remind me that small businesses survive because people care enough to keep them alive. Speaking of care, the real star of the show is hanging in the meat case.
3. Ring Bologna Worth the Detour
Ask anyone around here what to buy, and the answer comes back fast: the ring bologna. It is ready to eat, smoky, and nothing like the floppy lunch meat from a grocery store.
The recipe traces back to James Brant’s Czech roots. It has been made the same way since the early days, and the flavor is rich, savory, and just a little peppery.
I bought a ring planning to save it for dinner. It did not survive the drive to the next town.
Plenty of travelers report the same problem. A pound and a half can disappear shockingly fast when it is sitting on the passenger seat.
My advice is simple. Buy one ring for the road and another for home, because you will want both.
Slice it thin with crackers and a sharp cheese, or toss chunks into scrambled eggs the next morning. Either way, it makes a road trip feel like a picnic.
Next up, a sausage with a name most people cannot pronounce.
4. Jaternice and Other Old-World Oddities
Jaternice. Say it slowly, and then try it bravely.
This old Bohemian-style liverwurst is one of the rarest items in the case. Very few places still make it, and the folks who grew up eating it at their grandparents’ tables tend to light up when they spot it.
I will admit I hesitated. Then I took a bite and found it soft, savory, and warmly spiced, with a homey flavor that felt very Old World.
Head cheese has its own loyal fans too. Some customers say this is the only place where they can find a version they truly enjoy.
These specialty items connect Lucas to the Czech families who settled parts of central Kansas. Every bite carries a bit of that immigrant story forward.
If you are curious but unsure, ask the staff for a sample or a small portion. They are happy to explain how each item is traditionally eaten.
Feeling bolder? The pepper sausage is waiting with a little extra kick.
5. Pepper Sausage, Brats, and a Little Heat
George Brant created the Pepper Sausage, and the family recipe still brings a pleasant zing to the lineup. It is ready to eat, so it makes an easy snack straight from the bag.
Then there are the bratwursts. The market makes its own, including cheddar and jalapeño cheese varieties that sizzle beautifully on a grill.
All-beef hot dogs round out the grilling options. Kids and picky eaters will be pleased, and grown-ups will notice the better flavor.
The smoked sausage deserves a mention as well. It works sliced on homemade pizza, tossed into beans, or simply warmed in a skillet.
A tip from my own trip: tell the staff your plans. If you are camping, they can help you pick items that cook quickly and travel well.
And if you prefer snacks that need no cooking at all, the jerky counter is calling your name.
6. Jerky and Beef Sticks With Trophies
Jerky gets talked about here more than almost anything else. After one bag, I understood why.
The beef sticks have won national attention. The American Association of Meat Processors gave the original beef sticks a Reserve Grand Champion award.
Closer to home, the Kansas Association of Meat Processors has honored the market for its whole-muscle beef jerky, restructured jerky, fresh sausage, bratwurst, and smoked ham. That is a crowded trophy shelf for a small shop.
The jerky is chewy without being tough, with a deep beefy flavor. I tried a piece on the front step in the shade, and that moment felt like the perfect small-town snack break.
Many customers buy jerky to mail to family members serving in the military. It travels well and lasts, which makes it a smart gift.
Grab a few beef sticks for the car and a bag of jerky for later. Trust me, later comes sooner than expected.
And there is more on the shelves than meat, as I quickly discovered.
7. Shelves Stocked With Kansas-Made Treats
Honey, mustard, and pickled green beans walked into a market. That is not a joke, just a typical shelf at this shop.
Beyond the meat case, the store carries a nice selection of Kansas-made goods. I found local honey, several mustards, barbecue sauces, dips, seasonings, pancake mixes, and maple syrup.
Jalapeño pickled green beans were a happy surprise. They are crunchy, tangy, and great next to a plate of sliced bologna.
Sauerkraut and pickles also make an appearance. They pair naturally with the Czech-inspired sausages.
Buying here helps more than one business. Many of these products come from small, independent Kansas makers, so your snack money spreads around the state.
My suggestion is to build your own sampler bag. Pick one sausage, one cheese, one sauce, and one jar of something sweet, and you have an instant prairie picnic.
The shelves change from time to time, so you may find something new each visit. Speaking of cheese, that part of the store deserves its own spotlight.
8. Cheese Samples and Party Trays
Cheese lovers, take note. The cheese selection here is small but mighty, and tasting is part of the fun.
Staff often offer samples before you decide. That friendly habit can lead to buying far more cheese than you planned, which is exactly what happened to me.
Horseradish cheese was my favorite. It has a sharp bite that wakes up your taste buds and pairs nicely with smoked sausage.
Smoked cheese is another crowd-pleaser. It tastes great on its own and even better next to summer sausage.
Planning a family reunion or a church gathering? The market can prepare meat and cheese trays for pickup.
Call ahead to place your order, since trays take time to put together. You can reach the Lucas store at 785-525-6464.
A tray from here makes you look like a party genius with almost no effort. Guests will ask where the food came from, and you can smile knowingly.
Now for the behind-the-scenes magic that makes everything taste so good.
9. Real Smoke, Fresh Cuts, No Shortcuts
Smoke is the secret ingredient here, and it comes from a real hardwood fire. The market skips shortcuts and smokes its meats the slow, traditional way.
That patient process gives the smoked sausages their deep color and rich aroma. You can taste the difference in the very first bite.
Freshness matters just as much. Fresh meats are cut and prepared right on site, so nothing sits around waiting in a warehouse.
The hamburger is ground fresh from whole beef muscle rather than trimmings. Bulk sausage is seasoned with sage, salt, and pepper for a classic breakfast flavor.
You can also pick up steaks, dry-cured bacon, beef and pork roasts, and pork chops. The owners source beef from local ranchers when possible.
If you plan to buy fresh cuts, bring a cooler with ice packs. Kansas summers get hot, and your steaks deserve a cool ride home.
Check dates on packages and ask questions if anything looks unclear. Once your cooler is full, the town itself has plenty more to show you.
10. Snacks Meet Art in Lucas
Lucas calls itself the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas, and the title fits. This small town is packed with quirky, homemade art.
The Garden of Eden, with its concrete sculptures, is just a short stroll away. The Grassroots Art Center sits down the street from the market too.
My favorite plan was simple. I toured the art first, then walked over for jerky and a cold soda.
Locals at the art sites happily recommend the market. It is part of the full Lucas experience, like ice cream after a ballgame.
The town also sits along the Post Rock Scenic Byway. This drive through the Smoky Hills shows off limestone fence posts carved by early settlers.
Cyclists and road trippers often stop here for a snack break. Grab chips, a soda, and a beef stick, then rest on the front step before heading out.
Pairing art with snacks makes for a well-rounded day trip. Before you go, though, make sure you know when the doors are actually open.
11. Timing Your Visit Like a Local
Nothing stings like driving miles for bologna and finding a locked door. I nearly made that mistake.
The Lucas store is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Hours can change, especially around holidays. A quick call to 785-525-6464 before you leave home is a smart move.
Mornings tend to be calmer. You will have more time to chat, sample, and browse without bumping elbows.
Bring a cooler if you plan to buy fresh or smoked items for a long drive. Ready-to-eat options like ring bologna and pepper sausage are great for snacking along the way.
The store holds a 4.8-star rating, so expect company on busy days. Summer road trip season draws plenty of visitors.
Leave room in your schedule for the art sites nearby. A relaxed visit beats a rushed one every time.
And if you cannot get here at all, there is still a way to taste the goods.
12. Friendly Faces and Flavors to Go
Kindness is on the menu here, and it is served generously. The staff greet visitors warmly and love sharing stories about the building and the town.
During my stop, I got a mini history lesson along with my samples. Nobody rushed me, and every question got a patient answer.
Many families have made this a tradition. Grandparents bring grandkids, and those grandkids grow up and bring their own children.
Cannot visit in person? The market ships many favorites across the country through its website, brantsmarket.com.
Ring bologna, pepper sausage, brats, and beef sticks make thoughtful gifts. A box of Kansas flavor beats another coffee mug any day.
The store often carries more variety than the online shop, though. Visiting in person still gives you the best selection.
I left Lucas with a full cooler, a lighter wallet, and a happy stomach. More than that, I left feeling welcomed, like a neighbor rather than a tourist.
That warm prairie hospitality is the souvenir I will remember longest.
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