Green Bay, Wisconsin's "Fridge Jerky" is Changing the Way People Store Jerky
Fridge Jerky. (Picture by Fridge Jerky)
Beef jerky has been a high demand snack for years. According to studies, 122 million Americans consumed a beef jerky or meat snack product in 2017. On most packs of beef jerky it is suggested that once you open the package then you should refrigerate the rest to keep it moist, yet most people don’t. Green Bay, Wisconsin native Kelly Schwartz has built her business on changing this mindset with her startup Fridge Jerky.
Fridge Jerky must be placed in the fridge at all times to ensure the best quality taste; it doesn’t matter if the package has been opened or not.
Schwartz took her family roast beef recipe and tweaked it to create beef jerky. One of her favorite things about meat like steak and pork chops is the fat surrounding them, which why it’s included in her products.
“I wanted to create it so everyone can enjoy it,” said Schwartz.
Fridge Jerky started in November of 2021, but she’s been making jerky for family and friends for years. Schwartz started making her own jerky because she couldn’t find what she wanted in the stores.
The “fridge” in Fridge Jerky came from Schwartz noticing that after she put her jerky in the fridge it was more tender and had more moisture.
The business aspect is still new for Schwartz, but she’s making big strides already. She’s currently enrolled in Young Enterprising Society’s The Blueprint Accelerator program. She is a part of YES’ second Green Bay cohort.
Through the program, she’s learning how to scale her business and how to be a successful owner. She credits YES Program Director Steph Crosley and Urban Hub Community Manager at Greater Green Bay Chamber Lamar Banks for helping her push through.
“The Blueprint has been the most amazing opportunity that has opened up doors I didn’t even know existed,” said Schwartz.
Kelly Schwartz of Fridge Jerky. (Picture by Fridge Jerky)
Fridge Jerky recently received a $10,000 Main Street Bounceback Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission that will be used to purchase supplies, begin the licensing process, and fund the brand new office located at The Startup Hub powered by the Greater Green Bay Chamber, 2701 Larsen Road, Green Bay WI 54303.
Along with building up her business, Schwartz works full time.
“I’m trying to balance what Fridge Jerky can be while still providing for my family,” said Schwartz.
Fridge Jerky is currently not available for purchase because Schwartz is looking to get a commercial kitchen and she’s waiting on the license to sell her product. As she waits, she’s offering free samples on her website and selling merchandise as part of a Kickstarter program.