Premium Artisan Smoked Hickory Infused Country Ham

Ray's Country Ham: A Taste from Another Place in Time

Ray and Geneva Goad's legacy lives on through their family's commitment to preserving the rich tradition of artisanal country ham-making in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

The Goad family's country hams are cured using the same methods that have been passed down for generations on the region's family farms. Before the advent of modern electricity and refrigeration, families would butcher hogs in the late fall and naturally cure the meat to last through the cold winter months. This time-honored process is what gives Ray's Country Ham its distinct, complex flavor and addictive aroma.

Today, a few facilities owned and operated by the descendants of those early American pioneers continue to produce authentic country ham in the Blue Ridge region. Ray Jr. and Susan, the children of Geneva and Ray Goad, are carrying on their family's legacy, ensuring that Ray's Country Ham is cured in the same style featured at the iconic Ray's Starlight Restaurant in Mount Airy, North Carolina, and at the numerous Ray's Kingburgers and Sweet Sue's Restaurants across the Mid-Atlantic states.

Ray Goad was a true food service pioneer, being the first to serve Country Ham and Sausage Biscuits in a fast-food setting. This innovation paved the way for the ubiquitous breakfast biscuit sandwiches found at fast-food chains nationwide today. Ray's unwavering commitment to quality and tradition has left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape.

For nearly 50 years, travelers from the Northeast and Ohio Valley would plan their trips to Florida around stops at Ray's restaurants, where they could savor the beloved combination of country ham and Granny Goad's fluffy buttermilk biscuits. Even icons like Andy Griffith and Colonel Harland Sanders were drawn to Ray's signature dish.

Today, you can enjoy Ray's Country Ham in your own kitchen, preserving that "Taste from Another Place in Time." Our thinly sliced biscuit cuts are designed to remain tender and juicy, requiring minimal cooking time. Pair them with homemade buttermilk biscuits, or get creative by incorporating them into pasta dishes, salads, and charcuterie boards.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the joys of authentic country ham, Ray's legacy lives on in every bite. Share the experience with friends and family, and let the flavors of the Blue Ridge Mountains transport you to another era. Savor the artistry, the history, and the unparalleled taste that is Ray's Country Ham.

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