Every November, as ovens warm up and families start planning their holiday feasts, one name seems to come up again and again — Greenberg Smoked Turkey. For generations, this small, family-run business from Tyler, Texas, has been sending its signature smoked turkeys to homes across the United States.
In 2025, that tradition is stronger than ever. Greenberg Smoked Turkey remains fully operational, shipping its famous birds nationwide and continuing to serve as a symbol of Southern flavor, family pride, and holiday nostalgia.
A Family Story That Started with One Smoker
The story of Greenberg Smoked Turkey begins more than eight decades ago. Back in the 1930s, Samuel Isaac Greenberg began smoking turkeys for family and friends using a simple backyard smoker. His method was slow and patient — seasoned birds smoked for hours over local pecan wood.
The results spoke for themselves. Before long, neighbors were asking for one of his turkeys for their own tables. What started as a small family experiment quickly grew into a local favorite.
As demand grew, so did the business. Each generation of the Greenberg family learned the craft and carried the legacy forward. They kept the same basic recipe — a blend of salt, pepper, and time — and refused to cut corners. That commitment to tradition is what still sets them apart today.
Fully Operational for the 2025 Thanksgiving Season
The 2025 holiday season marks another strong year for Greenberg Smoked Turkey. The company’s Tyler headquarters is running at full capacity, taking orders online and preparing shipments for families across all 50 states.
Customers can choose from several turkey sizes, depending on how many people they plan to serve. Each turkey is smoked, chilled, and shipped directly to doorsteps in time for Thanksgiving. For those who live nearby, local pickup in Tyler remains a popular option — a community ritual that’s as Texan as it gets.
The company reminds customers to order early. Demand surges in mid-November, and once the shipping schedule fills up, there’s no guarantee of last-minute availability. Each year, tens of thousands of families plan their holiday meals around one of these famous smoked turkeys.
What Makes the Flavor So Special
There’s no mistaking the first bite of a Greenberg turkey. The meat is tender and juicy, with a smoky depth that lingers on the palate. The skin has a slightly crisp texture, golden brown from hours of slow smoking.
That unforgettable taste comes from the company’s traditional method. Every turkey is seasoned by hand with a simple mix of salt and pepper, then smoked over real Texas pecan wood for 12 to 16 hours. There are no shortcuts, no artificial flavorings, and no preservatives.
This old-fashioned process locks in the meat’s natural juices while infusing it with deep, rich flavor. It’s the same technique that’s been passed down for generations — a process perfected, not reinvented.
A Proud Symbol of Texas Heritage
For the people of Tyler, Greenberg Smoked Turkey is more than a business. It’s a hometown institution. During the fall, the entire city buzzes with anticipation as the facility ramps up production. Seasonal workers join the effort, packing, labeling, and shipping thousands of boxes to customers nationwide.
That annual rush brings not just jobs but a sense of community pride. Many locals have family members who’ve worked for the company at one time or another. Seeing those familiar brown boxes stacked and ready to ship feels like the official start of the holiday season.
The Greenberg family’s commitment to staying local — to keeping the business in Tyler and preserving its family-owned values — is part of what keeps the brand so special. In an era when many food producers have gone corporate, Greenberg remains proudly independent.
Bouncing Back After the 2020 Fire
One of the defining chapters in the company’s history came in late 2020, when a fire destroyed a major part of its production facility just weeks before Thanksgiving. The timing couldn’t have been worse — it halted operations during their busiest time of year.
But what happened next became a story of resilience. The Greenberg family refused to give up. Over the next year, they rebuilt their plant, upgraded their equipment, and brought their loyal employees back to work.
By 2022, the company had fully recovered. The facility was stronger, safer, and ready to handle growing demand. The comeback not only restored production but also deepened the connection between the business and its customers. Thousands of loyal buyers showed their support by returning to order again — proof that this Texas tradition had become a beloved part of American life.
A Nationwide Thanksgiving Tradition
While Greenberg Smoked Turkey’s roots are firmly planted in East Texas, its reach now extends far beyond state lines. Each fall, its famous smoked birds are shipped to every corner of the country — from big cities like Chicago and Los Angeles to small-town gatherings in the Midwest and South.
Every order is carefully packed in an insulated box that keeps the turkey fresh during transit. Once it arrives, the bird is ready to serve — no cooking required. Some families enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge, while others prefer to warm it slightly before carving.
That simplicity is a big part of the appeal. It takes the stress out of holiday cooking without sacrificing quality or tradition. For many families, the arrival of that distinctive Greenberg box is as much a Thanksgiving ritual as carving the turkey itself.
The Buzz on Social Media
Over the past few years, Greenberg Smoked Turkey has become a quiet sensation online. On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), customers post photos and videos of their holiday spreads featuring the famous turkey at the center.
The hashtag #GreenbergSmokedTurkey trends every November, filled with stories of family reunions, dinner tables, and heartfelt traditions. It’s a reminder that in a fast-paced digital world, some traditions still bring people together the old-fashioned way — around good food and shared moments.
Even with its growing popularity online, the company hasn’t changed its approach. There are no flashy ads or celebrity endorsements. The best promotion still comes from word of mouth — from satisfied customers who’ve made the turkey part of their own family story.
How to Order for 2025
Ordering for this season is simple. Customers can visit the company’s official website, select their preferred size, and schedule a shipping date. Turkeys range from about six pounds (ideal for smaller gatherings) to around fifteen pounds (perfect for larger family feasts).
The company recommends refrigerating the turkey as soon as it arrives and letting it rest at room temperature for about an hour before serving. The meat can be sliced cold or gently warmed in the oven. Either way, it retains its signature smoky aroma and juicy texture.
For those near Tyler, in-person pickup remains a local tradition. Every November, lines form outside the facility as customers collect their orders — a familiar sight that marks the start of the holiday season in East Texas.
Why People Keep Coming Back
The success of Greenberg Smoked Turkey isn’t built on fancy marketing or limited-time flavors. It’s built on trust, consistency, and the comfort of knowing exactly what you’re getting every year.
People come back because it tastes like home. It reminds them of family gatherings, laughter in the kitchen, and the feeling of gratitude that defines Thanksgiving. In a world that’s always changing, that kind of tradition feels rare — and worth holding onto.
It’s also the personal touch that keeps customers loyal. Every turkey that leaves the Tyler plant has passed through the hands of local workers who take pride in their craft. That human connection — from the smoker to the shipping box — gives the product a soul that mass-produced food simply can’t replicate.
Looking Toward the Future
As Greenberg Smoked Turkey continues into 2026, the family behind it remains focused on the same principles that have guided them for generations. They’re exploring ways to make operations more efficient and environmentally friendly, but without altering what makes their product special.
The goal isn’t to expand into dozens of new products or change the recipe — it’s to keep doing what they do best. The Greenberg family believes that quality speaks louder than quantity, and their loyal following proves it.
Whether it’s a Thanksgiving meal in a Texas farmhouse or a dinner table in Manhattan, the company’s reach and reputation continue to grow — one turkey, one family, and one tradition at a time.
A Tradition That Feels Like Home
As Thanksgiving 2025 approaches, the rich scent of pecan smoke and roasted turkey will once again fill kitchens across America. For many, that unmistakable aroma means one thing — it’s time for a Greenberg Smoked Turkey.
From humble beginnings in a small Texas kitchen to a nationwide holiday favorite, the company has stayed true to its roots: real flavor, real people, and real tradition. Few foods capture the spirit of Thanksgiving quite like it.
What memories does this Texas classic bring to your table? Share your story below and keep the holiday spirit alive!