The Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce awarded Hermann Wurst Haus the Distinguished Small Business Award at the Gerald Engemann Memorial Awards Banquet, Thursday, Jan. 10.

The Distinguished Small Business Award is presented to a Hermann-area individual, family or business that has been in operation for a period of time and whose business activity has significantly contributed to the betterment of the Hermann community.

“Thank you to the chamber for this award, the Hermann Wurst Haus enjoys being a part of the Hermann economy and thank you to the Engemann family for giving and sharing Gerald Engemann with us and naming this banquet in his honor and keeping his memory and vision alive!” said Mike Sloan, owner of Hermann Wurst Haus. He and his wife, Lynette, were surprised and honored to receive the award.

“The Wurst Haus is so much more than a small business, they are a Hermann destination, and Mike is an amazing ambassador for Hermann. Their business model with the huge selection of bratwurst flavors and a variety of meat, beverage and other products make the Wurst Haus a true full-service hybrid German deli. We are very lucky as a community to have this business.” said Melissa Lensing, Hermann Chamber Executive Director.

At a very young age, Mike was involved in the meat industry as he learned a variety of meat processing skills at the family processing plant. ln June of 2011, Mike and his wife, Lynette, set out on their own. They purchased a former auto part store in the historic downtown area of Hermann, Missouri. After much planning and remodeling, the Hermann Wurst Haus was open for business in September 2011.

The Hermann Wurst Haus is Missouri wine country’s premier meat and sausage shop, deli and event location, featuring more than 46 varieties of award-winning bratwurst and sausages, grand champion house-smoked bacon, a line of Wurst Haus ale, lager, wine and craft soda, gourmet foods, and gifts. The business hosts groups tours, offers sausage, bacon making and butchery classes. Today, this business has 6 full-time employees and 11 part-time employees. With more than 70 years of combined experience in the meat processing business, owners, Mike and Lynette Sloan are living and breathing their passion, creating award-winning bratwurst and sausages for all to enjoy.