JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Lodge Cast Iron in South Pittsburg has received a recognition award for being in business for 128 years from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
Since its founding by Joseph Lodge in 1896, then called Blacklock Foundry, Lodge Cast Iron has grown into a well-regarded name in kitchenware and cooking products. The company produces
and ships millions of cast iron pans and grills to storefronts worldwide while collaborating with big names such as Dolly Parton. Lodge also serves as Marion County’s largest employer, currently employing 600 personnel in various roles, from positions within the sprawling foundry to the local store that houses the world’s largest cast iron skillet.
The store is also home to Big Bad Breakfast, a Tennessee staple with five locations across the state, located alongside the museum. Together, the restaurant and museum attract over 200,000
visitors annually, with many tourists coming from nearby Chattanooga, Scottsboro, AL, and even Tennessee’s capital, Nashville.
Mike Otterman, CEO of Lodge, expressed his thoughts on the company receiving its recognition award, attributing its success to the quality of the products and the support of employees and
customers. “It’s the quality of the product and the quality of the people that’s allowed us to get here,” Mike stated. He also noted that the company is family-owned, passed down through generations, with the current owners being descendants of Joseph Lodge.
Misty Bruning, EDI Associate Manager at Lodge for 28 years, shared her enjoyment of working for the company. “I love it here. It’s like a family. They treat their employees so well, and they provide so many great benefits,” Misty remarked.
Lodge Cast Iron remains the last major producer of full cast iron products in the United States and operates four stores open to the public, with a fifth location set to open in the coming weeks in Athens, Alabama. Their products are sold internationally across major retail stores in over 60 countries, including Mexico and Canada.