Local Family Takes Over Ownership of the Sully Locker

The Next Chapter

EVERY TOWN HAS A BUSINESS or two that everyone sees as the backbone of the community. The business may not look the same as when it opened its doors years ago, but it wears the changes well. In Sully, the local meat locker is one of those businesses.

The Sully Community Locker was founded in 1946 when three families came together and identified the need for a locker in town. The original building located on the town’s square was devastated by a fire in 2017. The locker then relocated to its current home: a former funeral home on the main thoroughfare of Sully. Now known as the Sully Locker & Market, the business celebrated new ownership this year. The young family who has taken the reins is eager to make their mark on the business.


Pictured above: This year, Gideon and Emily Boender took over ownership of the Sully Locker & Market. Their daughter, Oakley, is a year old.

“I knew I wanted to own a locker one day,” said Gideon Boender. “I had the opportunity to work for the Nikkels, who previously owned this locker. When they were ready to step aside, I made it known I was interested.”

Gideon and his wife, Emily, have purchased a home in Sully. They have a one-year-old daughter named Oakley. “This is a family-oriented business,” reflected Emily. “It’s what I like most about being the new owners.”

In recent years, lockers all over the state have become harder to get into and are in much higher demand. “We process 15–17 cows and 4–6 hogs per week,” said Gideon. “At this point in 2025, we’re taking new orders on a cancellation-only basis. We have 80 animals on this cancellation list!”

The locker already has approximately 10 weeks filled in 2026, a lineup that includes many loyal customers who have used the locker for decades.



A unique feature of the locker is its market, which offers grocery and home décor items. “Since the nearest grocery store is easily 20 minutes away, our grocery business is strong,” said Emily. “We also have a retail store in Ankeny where we sell our meat products, quality cheeses and homemade pies.” Seasonal items help round out the Sully market, which at times includes light lunch options and freezer meals.

With 15 employees, the Boenders are dedicated to keeping the business running like it has in the past; they also continue to look for niche opportunities. “We supply meat products to some food trucks,” said Gideon. “We also process meat for a farmer who supplies the beef for 801 Chophouse!”



The next time you’re in the area, stop by the Sully Locker & Market for a visit. You can also learn more on their website: sullylockerandmarket.com.