Jay's Jerky was founded in 2000 by Jay Thomas, a local chef and caterer. Using only the finest quality fresh beef and seasonings, he began making small batches at home in his kitchen. The product was made available to close friends and family until early 2002. Others had started to try the product and expressed interest due to its flavor and quality. At that time more home style production equipment was added and the ability to produce quantities near 50 lbs was possible.

By mid 2003, the demand had doubled. Jay's Jerky was a hit with everyone who tried the product. This jerky product was vastly different from all other jerky products currently available where snack type foods are purchased. Its moist texture and robust flavor was a big hit with Jerky Aficionados. People who had previously never tried beef jerky became Jay's Jerky lovers. By late 2003, the demand was far outweighing the ability to produce enough to meet it. At this time a good friend of Jay's who recently tried the product discussed the options available to sell and distribute himself. Thus the beginning of the partnership of Jay Thomas and Dennis Farley. Mr. Farley had been in the sales and marketing of theatrical lighting products for over 14 years. Using these skills he began to guide the product line of Jay's Jerky.

By early 2004 Jay's Jerky was in high demand. We could no longer meet the production needs on the home equipment level. We were working every spare minute we had as well as working full time jobs trying to produce enough product to meet demand. By May 2004 we were getting requests of over 1000 lbs of product per week. It was now time to go to commercial size equipment to meet the demand for the Jay's Jerky product line.

At this point the partnership was expanded to include a well-known Knoxville custom meat packing company, Magnolia Provisions. With the guidance and financial backing of this well established company, Jay's Jerky was taken from the home-based operation to a full fledged commercial operation in September of 2004. Starting with the original beef flavors, they are now manufactured according to a strict process and recipe first developed by Jay while meeting all USDA requirements. Jay's Jerky is proud to offer you a truly wholesome and beneficial food product that is all natural, free of chemicals and preservatives.

From the American Troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, to our northern Canadian friends, to the west coast of America, to our hometown, Jay's Jerky is quickly becoming the standard for real and natural true beef jerky.

New flavors coming soon ...

Kenny Needham
President