The Legend of Smoky Mountain

Smoky Mountain Beef Jerky started out as Jay's Jerky back in 2000. That's when Jay Thomas, a professional chef and caterer, took to making small batches of the stuff in his home kitchen. Using only the finest quality fresh beef and seasonings, of course.

Jay's friends and family were the beneficiaries of his early batches, but by mid-2003, the secret had gotten out and Jay's Jerky was in high demand. Soon, Jay and his team could no longer meet the production needs — over 1,000 pounds of jerky per week! They worked every spare minute, still using home equipment, while also retaining full-time jobs.

In September 2004, Jay teamed up with Magnolia Provisions, an established custom meat packing company in Knoxville, Tenn. With the guidance and backing of his new partner, Jay's Jerky expanded from a home-based business to a full-fledged commercial operation. The name was changed to Smoky Mountain Beef Jerky to reflect its relocation to the Tennessee foothills.

From Original beef flavor, Smoky Mountain has grown to include new seasonings and meats such as Jalapeno, Roasted Garlic, Spicy Buffalo, Cajun, Teriyaki, and Elk and Deer Jerky. Smoky Mountain is proud to offer a wholesome product that is natural and free of chemicals and preservatives while meeting all USDA requirements.

And more new flavors are coming soon…