Only Air-dried Turkey plant in U.S. is Family-owned, has No Debt

Paul Kelly is the owner of the only USDA-approved turkey plant in the US that dry-plucks and hangs its birds, a process many believe creates crispier skin and better flavor.

KellyBronze is 100% family-owned and has never taken any private investment, though there have been many offers over the years. (Photo: KellyBronze Facebook)

Since purchasing 130 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Crozet, Virginia, a decade ago, Kelly has opened America’s first newly built turkey hatchery in years, Chloe Sorvino reported for Forbes Daily.

KellyBronze, which sells its turkeys at Eataly and other high-end retailers across America, had 2024 revenue of $28 million.

About 4% of that comes from the US, but Kelly expects that to rise to 25% within three years as he increases production in Virginia — and he is aiming for annual revenue to hit $80 million by 2028.

Founded in 1971 by Kelly’s parents, Derek and Mollie, KellyBronze is 100% family-owned and has never taken any private investment, though there have been many offers over the years.

The business has grown steadily for the past six decades with little debt, and it currently has none.

Now, after more than 50 years in business, KellyBronze is finally ready to feast on America’s high-end turkey market. “We are never going to be a Butterball. We are never going to be big,” Kelly said.

“We are a small niche player, and we just want to be producing the best possible turkey we can for Thanksgiving.”