Follow the Neon Pig
For decades, drivers along Montgomery Street were greeted by a flashing, trotting neon pig — the cheerful mascot of Stephens Meat Products, a homegrown butcher shop that became a San Jose icon.
Founded in 1942, Stephens wasn’t just about sausages and smoked meats — it was ahead of its time. The business was the first in the Western United States to use vacuum-sealed packaging, a revolutionary method that kept meats fresher longer and helped modernize the food industry.
But what really captured hearts was the animated neon “Dancing Pig” sign, added in the 1950s — a yellow pig proudly marching in place with glowing hooves and a wagging tail, inviting locals and travelers alike into downtown.
Though the shop closed in 2004, the sign lives on at History Park, preserved as a glowing tribute to a working-class San Jose built on family businesses, quiet innovation, and a whole lot of flavor.
This wasn’t just a meat market. It was a cultural landmark — and a reminder that even a pig can point the way home.