RTA Outdoor Living Stands Strong as a U.S.-Made Outdoor Kitchen Brand Amid Shifting Trade Landscape

Cambridge City, IN

April 2025

As trade dynamics shift and tariffs create new challenges for imported goods, one company isn’t scrambling to adapt—it’s already where it needs to be. RTA Outdoor Living, an Indiana-based manufacturer of custom prefab outdoor kitchens, continues to grow thanks to its commitment to American manufacturing, customer experience, and long-term value.

While many outdoor kitchen brands rely heavily on overseas production, RTA builds its products in the heart of the Midwest. Their manufacturing facility in Cambridge City, Indiana, handles everything from casting custom concrete designs to packing and shipping, allowing the company to remain agile and reliable in a time of global supply chain uncertainty.

“Being American-made has always been central to who we are,” says director of operations Kevin Margera. “Not just because of tariffs or logistics, but because we value craftsmanship, community, and control over quality.”

A Product Built to Last

RTA’s model stands apart in an industry often dominated by volume-based overseas manufacturers selling through distributors.

“We offer a one-of-a-kind product directly to our customers—99% of our outdoor kitchens are custom-designed and hand-built for a specific customer,” explains Margera. “Overseas manufacturing specializes in volume purchasing of pre-fabricated layouts. That is not RTA.

”By working directly with our customers, we can cut out the middle-man and pay more for materials and labor while still providing a competitive price. This direct-to-consumer model is critical for making the economics work while manufacturing in America. “We take pride in the fact that all design, support and manufacturing is from American-based employees,” explained Allen Melton, Production Manager.

Instead of offering cookie-cutter cement board or powder-coated aluminum options, RTA prioritizes materials and construction that stand the test of time. “Our customers are looking for something better—they want something that will last a lifetime,” adds Project Success Manager, Peter Kurst. “As a made-in-America product, we can control the highest standard of materials and craftsmanship.”

Family Values at the Core

At RTA, designing and building outdoor kitchens isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of the values and vision to bring families together in an outdoor environment. Which is why they create personalized, durable outdoor living solutions without compromising on customer outcomes.

“Family has always been at the core of what we do,” says Kurst. “Every piece we build is designed with the hope that it becomes part of someone’s memories—shared meals, laughter, and time spent together.”

RTA’s commitment to customer experience is evident in every step of their process. From personalized design support to clear communication and an entire department dedicated to customer success, the team takes pride in making outdoor kitchens approachable, customizable, and lasting.

A Steady Hand in an Uncertain Market

As new tariffs begin impacting the cost of imported steel and prefab components, many companies in the outdoor kitchen industry are being forced to reconsider pricing and production strategies. For RTA, the impact is minimal.

“Our manufacturing supply chain is domestic, and we’ve made it a priority to stay that way,” says Margera. “It allows us to offer stable pricing and shorter lead times, while also supporting American jobs.”

He adds, “Our customers expect their kitchen soon—we strive to deliver custom, made-to-order kitchens within four weeks of completing a custom blueprint. That kind of customization and lead time simply wouldn’t be possible with an imported product.”

While competitors navigate delays and rising costs, RTA continues to serve homeowners with confidence. Their modular systems are built with a high-performance concrete mixture to last and designed for easy installation—making them a practical and future-ready choice.

Focused on the Future

RTA isn’t just staying steady; it’s growing.“Being built here gives us flexibility,” says Project Success Leader, Phil Aldrich. “We can respond to customer feedback quickly, we can improve designs more efficiently, and we can continue to innovate without relying on overseas timelines.”

At a time when many are rethinking where and how their products are made, RTA offers a clear and compelling alternative: thoughtful design, consistent quality, and a team that treats every project like it matters—because to them, it does.

“Our commitment to serve families extends beyond our customer’s families to our team’s families, and creating jobs in communities like Cambridge City, IN, is central to this commitment,” says Melton. “It’s truly a small-town effort with enormous American pride!”