Salinas Company
Crafts a Tasty
Beef Jer ky
B Y L A R R Y H A R L A N D
B
eef jerky is one of the fastest-growing
segments of the behemoth American
snack food industry. And one Salinas company
has set its sights on a chunk of that market.
The Beefy Boys Jerky Company makes six
varieties of beef jerky (plus an ahi tuna jerky).
Now owned by Top 10 Produce, LLC, the ven-
ture star ted life as a collaboration between
two Salinas friends.
"Tony Souza and Craig Bray were in the
beverage industry," Top 10 Executive Director
John Bailey says. "Tony had an old, original cow-
boy jerky recipe; Craig grew up making venison
jerky on his family ranch." Using consumer-level
food dehydrators, they made a batch and took
it around to their customers. It was a hit. "They
advised them to get out of beverages and into
jerky," Bailey says.
Beef is locally sourced, and processed at the
company's Salinas plant. The jerky is a tad drier
than most others, translating to a longer shelf
life and authentic flavor. "We are a premium
product," Bailey says. "This is a small batch,
craft food.
Beefy Boys Jerky is available at Salinas' Star
Market and all Salinas and Monterey Peninsula
Safeways; Monte Vista Market and Wharf Market
Place in Monterey; and online at www.locale.com.
SHORTCUTS
BUSINESS
Beefy Boys Jerky, based in Salinas, makes six varieties of beef jerky, plus an ahi tuna
jerky. Pictured (l-r) are Craig Bray, John Bailey, Melissa Piini, and Sam Valentine.
74 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 6
Photo:
Richard
Green
