Frequently Asked Questions

About Kayem

Where does the name Kayem come from?
The name Kayem is derived from the initials of its founder, Kazimierz Monkiewicz.

What is the history of Kayem?
In 1909, Kazimierz and his wife, Helena, emigrated from Poland to Chelsea, Mass., in pursuit of the American dream. In a small storefront they started making kielbasa by hand and soon began delivering it to surrounding neighborhoods by horse-drawn carriage. The company is still located in Chelsea, Mass., only in a much larger facility. Both corporate offices and manufacturing plant reside in the same building with an additional plant in Woburn, Mass.

How do you pronounce Kayem?
Kayem is pronounced like the letters "K" "M".

Where is Kayem located?
Kayem is in Chelsea, Mass., adjacent to the Tobin Bridge.

I love your television ad with the sprinkler. Who sings that song and what is he saying?
The song is "Right Me Up" by State Radio from the album Us Against The Crown from 2006. There are only a few words, and they are a little hard to understand, but here they are: "Why so many, why so many why? ... Oh this friend today right me up."

Our products

What makes your products different from others?
Kayem’s product line includes franks, Italian and Polish sausages, deli meats and brats. We are the largest fresh and fully cooked sausage manufacturer in New England. Kayem uses cutting-edge technology and follows stringent USDA and ISO 9000 quality standards while retaining "Old World" style.

Where can I find nutritional information?
We list nutrition information with each of our products—franks, brats, sausages and deli meats. Otherwise please review the product package label for nutritional information.

If your product says "All Natural", what does that mean?
"All natural" refers to products made without chemicals, food additives or refined ingredients. There are no artificial colors, fillers or by-products in these products

Are Kayem franks kosher?
No. Our Kayem franks are made with only the finest cuts of meat and contain no by-products, fillers or artificial flavors, and no rabbis bless it. Our manufacturing plant is held up to the highest standard of quality, cleanliness and safety. The quality speaks for itself. Here at Kayem we keep our religion and our franks separate and make no certified kosher products.

Do you really make the Fenway Frank?
Yes, we are the Official Frankfurter of the Boston Red Sox and make the Fenway Franks that are sold at the park. They are also available at your local market.

I live in New York and I can’t find Fenway Franks at my store. Where can I get some?
We know Red Sox Nation is everywhere, but unfortunately Fenway Franks are not distributed outside of New England and in Connecticut east of the Connecticut River. Send a friendly note to our customer service department, and they will be happy to aid you in your quest or use our Where to Buy tool to locate the store nearest you.

What makes your Old Tyme Natural Casing Beef Franks so delicious?
These franks are produced with only the finest, juiciest cuts of butcher-grade beef and blended with our signature recipe of premium spices. Natural casings seal in the juices to unleash a burst of premium beef flavor with the snap of every mouthwatering bite.

What is the difference between a Kayem Old Tyme Frank and a Kayem Hot Dog?
Old Tyme Franks have natural casings, which give them a "snap" when you take a bite into them. Kayem Hot Dogs do not have a casing.

I’m concerned about food allergies. Do you have products for people with food allergies?
Please review the product ingredients—listed with each product or on the product label—to determine if the products are suitable. Kayem Foods Inc. offers numerous items to choose from, so we are convinced you will be able to satisfy your needs!

What is gluten? Do your products contain it?
Gluten is a protein in all wheat, rye, barley and oat products. These ingredients are stated clearly on the ingredient label, and none are "hidden" within our "flavorings" classification.

The only Kayem branded products we produce that contain gluten are Kayem Pale Ale Brats, Kayem Polish Loaf, Kayem Meat Loaf and Kayem Macaroni and Cheese Loaf.

I cannot tolerate lactose. Are there any products that I should avoid?
Our Kayem Macaroni and Cheese Loaf and Kayem Cheddar Brats contain milk.

What is MSG? Does the product contain MSG?
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used to enhance flavor. The only product we produce that contains MSG is Kayem Cooked Bratwurst.

What are nitrites?
Nitrites are USDA/FDA regulated and approved ingredients that are used as curing agents. Nitrites protect consumers from one of the deadliest foodborne diseases, botulism.

Research is also being performed to support initial findings that nitrites improve blood flow and blood pressure.

Are your products ready to eat, or do they require cooking?
Please look at the package to determine if the product is fully cooked or fresh (uncooked).

Fully cooked products can be eaten right out of the package. However, we recommend heating them to fully enjoy their texture and flavor.

Fresh products require cooking before consumption. Please see the package for cooking instructions.

Our fresh brats and Italian sausage should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees to ensure that any bacteria that may be present is killed.

How long is the product good after the package has been opened? Fresh (uncooked) products should be kept in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, and should always be consumed or frozen prior to the expiration date.

Fully cooked products must be stored in the refrigerator and should be consumed prior to the expiration date or within 3 days after the product seal has been broken.

Frozen products should be stored in a freezer and consumed within 3 months after freezing to ensure the best flavor. Be sure to freeze the product prior to the expiration date.

Know your meat

What is bratwurst?
Bratwurst is coarsely ground fresh pork and beef or fresh pork and veal, originating in Germany.

What is kielbasa?
Kielbasa is a Polish, coarsely ground, cooked and cured pork sausage.

What is pastrami?
Pastrami is beef that has been cured, smoked and spiced.

What are casings?
Sausages and hot dogs are formed by filling sleeves (casings) with meat.

How many people will a ham feed?
Approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of a pound of ham equals one serving.  For bone-in hams, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of a pound of ham is one serving.

What are nitrites?
Nitrites are USDA/FDA regulated and approved ingredients that are used as curing agents. Nitrites protect consumers from one of the deadliest foodborne diseases, botulism. Research is also being performed to support initial findings that nitrites improve blood flow and blood pressure.

What does "smoked" mean?
"Smoked" is a natural process that creates flavor. We use natural hardwood chips in our smoking process.

What does "all natural" mean?
"All natural" refers to products made without chemicals, food additives or refined ingredients. There are no artificial colors, fillers or by-products in these products.

Media contact

Josh Gitelson
RF Binder
(781)455-8250
Contact form

Job Contact

Please send or fax a cover letter and resume:

Human Resources Generalist
Kayem Foods, Inc.
75 Arlington Street
Chelsea, MA 02150

Fax: (617) 887-3169

Email Yolanda