<![CDATA[Gus's Fresh Jerky: Latest News]]> https://www.freshjerky.com Sun, 12 Apr 2026 07:56:05 +0000 <![CDATA[Reviving a Legacy: Why Our Needles Jerky Shop Is the Best Stop on Route 66]]> https://www.freshjerky.com/blog/reviving-a-legacy-why-our-needles-jerky-shop-is-the-best-stop-on-route-66/ Tue, 20 May 2025 12:48:03 +0000 https://www.freshjerky.com/blog/reviving-a-legacy-why-our-needles-jerky-shop-is-the-best-stop-on-route-66/ Just over two years ago, I took over the Needles location of what used to be my dad’s jerky shop—a place with deep roots and even deeper flavor. When I arrived, the floors were worn down, the pegboards were outdated, and the store had lost some of its charm. But the bones were still good. And more importantly—the memories were still alive.

I knew people remembered Gus.
They remembered the jerky.
And they used to stop on their way to the river, without fail.

So I went all in—and gave the shop the love it deserved.

?️ We Gave It a Total Makeover

We tore out the old pegboards, redid the floors, cleaned it up, and restocked it wall to wall. Everything now looks fresh, rustic, and organized—ready for travelers, river goers, and longtime jerky lovers to enjoy again.

? Best Route 66 Stop—Hands Down

On top of everything else, we’ve got one of the coolest murals along Route 66. It’s big, bold, and Western—and folks driving through Needles, CA can’t help but stop to snap a photo. Whether you're road-tripping across the country or just cruising the desert, this mural makes our shop a must-see destination along the legendary Mother Road.

So whether you come for the photo, the jerky, or the good vibes—you’ll leave with something to talk about.

? What’s Inside Now?

  • Classic, handcrafted beef jerky (sweet, spicy, dry—it’s all here)

  • Local honey, pickled garlic, cowboy snacks

  • Ice-cold drinks and gifts

  • And the same legacy that made Gus’ shop a desert staple

? Calling All River Rats & Road Trippers

If you’re headed to Lake Havasu, Laughlin, or rolling down Route 66, make a pit stop in Needles. You won’t miss the mural—and once you step inside, you won’t want to leave without a bag (or three) of jerky.

? Come See What We’ve Built

? Just off I-40 in Needles, CA, along historic Route 66
? Open weekends for road trippers and river folks alike
? Jerky, snacks, and one unforgettable Route 66 photo op

]]> Just over two years ago, I took over the Needles location of what used to be my dad’s jerky shop—a place with deep roots and even deeper flavor. When I arrived, the floors were worn down, the pegboards were outdated, and the store had lost some of its charm. But the bones were still good. And more importantly—the memories were still alive.

I knew people remembered Gus.
They remembered the jerky.
And they used to stop on their way to the river, without fail.

So I went all in—and gave the shop the love it deserved.

?️ We Gave It a Total Makeover

We tore out the old pegboards, redid the floors, cleaned it up, and restocked it wall to wall. Everything now looks fresh, rustic, and organized—ready for travelers, river goers, and longtime jerky lovers to enjoy again.

? Best Route 66 Stop—Hands Down

On top of everything else, we’ve got one of the coolest murals along Route 66. It’s big, bold, and Western—and folks driving through Needles, CA can’t help but stop to snap a photo. Whether you're road-tripping across the country or just cruising the desert, this mural makes our shop a must-see destination along the legendary Mother Road.

So whether you come for the photo, the jerky, or the good vibes—you’ll leave with something to talk about.

? What’s Inside Now?

  • Classic, handcrafted beef jerky (sweet, spicy, dry—it’s all here)

  • Local honey, pickled garlic, cowboy snacks

  • Ice-cold drinks and gifts

  • And the same legacy that made Gus’ shop a desert staple

? Calling All River Rats & Road Trippers

If you’re headed to Lake Havasu, Laughlin, or rolling down Route 66, make a pit stop in Needles. You won’t miss the mural—and once you step inside, you won’t want to leave without a bag (or three) of jerky.

? Come See What We’ve Built

? Just off I-40 in Needles, CA, along historic Route 66
? Open weekends for road trippers and river folks alike
? Jerky, snacks, and one unforgettable Route 66 photo op

]]> <![CDATA[From Bikinis to Beef Jerky: How a Marine Wife Brought the Wild West to San Clemente]]> https://www.freshjerky.com/blog/from-bikinis-to-beef-jerky-how-a-marine-wife-brought-the-wild-west-to-san-clemente/ Tue, 20 May 2025 12:43:48 +0000 https://www.freshjerky.com/blog/from-bikinis-to-beef-jerky-how-a-marine-wife-brought-the-wild-west-to-san-clemente/ When I first moved to San Clemente, I was just settling into life as a Marine wife—my husband’s active duty brought us here, and I quickly fell in love with this beachside town. But something was missing. Among all the surf shops and smoothie bowls, I kept thinking, Where’s the country at?

So I did what felt right: I brought the country with me.

Welcome to our San Clemente jerky shop—where beef jerky, cowboy snacks, and Western grit meet sunshine, ocean breezes, and small-town charm.

? What We Sell

We’re proud to offer a mix of country staples and coastal flair, including:

  • Fresh beef jerky in all flavors (including Shark Jerky, only at this location)

  • Local honey, bee pollen, and beeswax candles

  • Western shirts, Marlboro hats, leather purses, and more

  • Thoughtful, easy gifts—all wrapped up with free tissue paper

? Why I Opened This Shop

Truth is, I almost opened a bikini store. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t meant to sell bikinis—I was meant to keep my family’s jerky legacy alive. When I spotted Mammoth Mountain stickers around town, I realized people here already knew about my dad’s famous jerky shop in Olancha. That was the sign I needed.

So instead of bikinis, I brought Gus’ Jerky and everything I love about the Western lifestyle to downtown San Clemente.

?‍♀️ Who We Serve

We get a little bit of everyone—locals, tourists, military families, surfers, and even folks just looking for the perfect last-minute gift. Whether you’re grabbing snacks for the beach or bringing a taste of the West back home, we’ve got you covered.

? Come See Us

? Located right in the heart of San Clemente, CA
? Open daily
? Jerky, gifts, good vibes, and a whole lot of heart

]]> When I first moved to San Clemente, I was just settling into life as a Marine wife—my husband’s active duty brought us here, and I quickly fell in love with this beachside town. But something was missing. Among all the surf shops and smoothie bowls, I kept thinking, Where’s the country at?

So I did what felt right: I brought the country with me.

Welcome to our San Clemente jerky shop—where beef jerky, cowboy snacks, and Western grit meet sunshine, ocean breezes, and small-town charm.

? What We Sell

We’re proud to offer a mix of country staples and coastal flair, including:

  • Fresh beef jerky in all flavors (including Shark Jerky, only at this location)

  • Local honey, bee pollen, and beeswax candles

  • Western shirts, Marlboro hats, leather purses, and more

  • Thoughtful, easy gifts—all wrapped up with free tissue paper

? Why I Opened This Shop

Truth is, I almost opened a bikini store. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t meant to sell bikinis—I was meant to keep my family’s jerky legacy alive. When I spotted Mammoth Mountain stickers around town, I realized people here already knew about my dad’s famous jerky shop in Olancha. That was the sign I needed.

So instead of bikinis, I brought Gus’ Jerky and everything I love about the Western lifestyle to downtown San Clemente.

?‍♀️ Who We Serve

We get a little bit of everyone—locals, tourists, military families, surfers, and even folks just looking for the perfect last-minute gift. Whether you’re grabbing snacks for the beach or bringing a taste of the West back home, we’ve got you covered.

? Come See Us

? Located right in the heart of San Clemente, CA
? Open daily
? Jerky, gifts, good vibes, and a whole lot of heart

]]> <![CDATA[Why Our Olancha Jerky Shop Is a Must-Stop for Celebrities and Road Trippers]]> https://www.freshjerky.com/blog/why-our-olancha-jerky-shop-is-a-muststop-for-celebrities-and-road-trippers/ Tue, 20 May 2025 12:35:58 +0000 https://www.freshjerky.com/blog/why-our-olancha-jerky-shop-is-a-muststop-for-celebrities-and-road-trippers/ If you're cruising along Highway 395 through California’s wild desert stretch, you might catch the scent of something smoky, savory, and unforgettable. That’s not just the wind playing tricks on you—that’s Gus’ Fresh Jerky in Olancha, CA, and yes, it's become a celebrity favorite.

From the Jonas Brothers to Quentin Tarantino, Aaron Paul, Kit Harington, and even Alexander Ludwig—our little jerky shop has welcomed some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Whether they're filming nearby or road-tripping through the Sierras, they all stop for one thing: the best jerky in California.

? What Makes Our Jerky So Special?

We don’t mess around when it comes to flavor. Our jerky is:

  • Handcrafted in small batches

  • Smoked and seasoned the old-fashioned way

  • Made from premium cuts with no shortcuts

Whether you like it spicy, sweet, teriyaki, or classic cowboy-style dry, we’ve got a flavor that’ll have you hooked.

? A Taste of Fame (Literally)

Over the years, celebs passing through have heard the buzz—or smelled it—and made a pit stop at our Olancha shop. Some took photos. Some tried to keep it low-key. But they all left with jerky in hand (and usually a little honey or pickled garlic, too).

? More Than Just Jerky

We’re proud to carry:

  • Local California honey

  • Pickled goods

  • Hot sauces and seasonings

  • Western-themed merch

  • And soon: The Western Cowboy Co. gear

? Why You Should Stop Too

It’s not just about beef jerky—it’s about experiencing a slice of the old West. Our Olancha shop is a roadside gem where you’ll find good snacks, good folks, and good stories. You don’t need to be famous to feel welcome.

? Plan Your Visit

We’re located right off Highway 395 in Olancha, just a short drive from Lone Pine and Death Valley National Park.

]]> If you're cruising along Highway 395 through California’s wild desert stretch, you might catch the scent of something smoky, savory, and unforgettable. That’s not just the wind playing tricks on you—that’s Gus’ Fresh Jerky in Olancha, CA, and yes, it's become a celebrity favorite.

From the Jonas Brothers to Quentin Tarantino, Aaron Paul, Kit Harington, and even Alexander Ludwig—our little jerky shop has welcomed some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Whether they're filming nearby or road-tripping through the Sierras, they all stop for one thing: the best jerky in California.

? What Makes Our Jerky So Special?

We don’t mess around when it comes to flavor. Our jerky is:

  • Handcrafted in small batches

  • Smoked and seasoned the old-fashioned way

  • Made from premium cuts with no shortcuts

Whether you like it spicy, sweet, teriyaki, or classic cowboy-style dry, we’ve got a flavor that’ll have you hooked.

? A Taste of Fame (Literally)

Over the years, celebs passing through have heard the buzz—or smelled it—and made a pit stop at our Olancha shop. Some took photos. Some tried to keep it low-key. But they all left with jerky in hand (and usually a little honey or pickled garlic, too).

? More Than Just Jerky

We’re proud to carry:

  • Local California honey

  • Pickled goods

  • Hot sauces and seasonings

  • Western-themed merch

  • And soon: The Western Cowboy Co. gear

? Why You Should Stop Too

It’s not just about beef jerky—it’s about experiencing a slice of the old West. Our Olancha shop is a roadside gem where you’ll find good snacks, good folks, and good stories. You don’t need to be famous to feel welcome.

? Plan Your Visit

We’re located right off Highway 395 in Olancha, just a short drive from Lone Pine and Death Valley National Park.

]]> <![CDATA[Check Out The Band Perry's Video Filmed @ the JERKY STORE in Olancha!!]]> https://www.freshjerky.com/blog/check-out-the-band-perrys-video-filmed-the-jerky-store-in-olancha-ee6079/ Fri, 18 Sep 2015 00:19:42 +0000 https://www.freshjerky.com/blog/check-out-the-band-perrys-video-filmed-the-jerky-store-in-olancha-ee6079/ How many of you like the Band Perry!? We sure do! Make sure you share and like the video "Gentle On My Mind" and tell everyone you been where they filmed the video at! We think Glen Campbell(first person who sang this song) would be proud! #GentleOnMyMind #Gus'sJerky #Country 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuVJEn9wk9Y]]> How many of you like the Band Perry!? We sure do! Make sure you share and like the video "Gentle On My Mind" and tell everyone you been where they filmed the video at! We think Glen Campbell(first person who sang this song) would be proud! #GentleOnMyMind #Gus'sJerky #Country 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuVJEn9wk9Y]]>