Haldas Market
Originally opened on King Street in Wilmington in 1917, Haldas is a landmark in Brandywine Hundred. Many remember twins Harry and Nick Haldas with fondness. Today the shop offers meats, Di Bruno Bros.’ cheeses, grab-and-go foods, gourmet products, produce and seafood. Where: 2201 Silverside Road, Wilmington, 475-7600, www.haldasmarket.com.
Doc’s Meat Market
Owner Norm Buczik honed his skills at Haldas, beginning at age 17, before buying Doc’s, which started in Wilmington in the 1940s before moving to Hockessin. Doc’s offers fresh meats, prepared foods, poultry and seafood. Doc’s is also a deli. Where: 7288 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, 239-2529, www.docsmeatmarket.com.
Herman’s Quality Meats
Founded in 1967, Herman’s buys the whole animal and breaks it down on site. Other products include organic produce, game, homemade sausages, stuffed chicken breasts and homemade beef jerky. Where: 64 E. Cleveland Ave., Newark, 731-5344, www.hermansqualitymeats.com.
Bachetti Bros. Gourmet Meats
This Kirkwood Highway shop originally opened in Philadelphia in 1934. Bachetti’s, as it’s known, is a meat market, deli and gourmet market in one. Don’t miss the homemade soups, dips and dinners-to-go. Where: 4723 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, 994-4467, www.bachettis.com.
Haass’ Family Butcher Shop
Although founded in 1955, this market has benefitted from the experience of five generations of butchers. The Kent County staple is convenient to providers, so the shop gets animals right off the farm. Butchering is done in a plant adjacent to the store. Where: 3997 Hazlettville Road, Dover, 734-5447, www.haassmeats.com.
Camden-Wyoming Market (formerly Witt Brothers Market)
New owners Phyllis Spiering and Larry Mola bought the 40-year-old business last year. (Both had been employees of Witt Brothers.) Hot foods include rotisserie chicken. Where: 113 W. Camden Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, 697-6174, www.witt-brothers.com.
Hickman’s Meat Market
Tucked into a shopping center next to Nage restaurant, Hickman’s is the area’s go-to place for meats, poultry, fresh sausages, smoked products and specialty goods such as bacon burgers, farm-raised rabbit and spicy jerky. Where: 19730 Highway One, Rehoboth Beach, 226-8345, www.hickmansmeats.com.
