Jerky and variety food vendors open store downtown (7 photos)

A pair of local business owners now have their own place to call home.

Corey Tucker and Joe Rancourt, the co-founders of CJ’s Dehydrated Foods & Products, have moved their growing beef jerky and snacks business into a storefront on Queen Street East.

Since establishing the business earlier this year, the duo has attended a number of vendor shows and events which has helped them build notoriety across the area.

The duo never could have imagined they would have their own location this soon into their journey.

“The support from the community has been massive,” Tucker says. “We never expected this. It definitely feels like a Cinderella story.”

From handcrafted beef jerky and old-time candy to unique spices and freeze-dried treats, the entrepreneurial duo says they have something for everyone.

Since opening their doors on Friday, Tucker and Rancourt say business has been booming, but they don’t intend on putting a halt on their vendor shows.

“We’re not going to stop doing shows,” Rancourt says. “But we now have the option to be a little more selective in which shows we take part in.”

The new store sits right across from the soon-to-be downtown plaza, and just down the street from the GFL Memorial Gardens – both massive positives says the new owners.

Located at 518 Queen Street East, their hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays.

“We feel the store adds a lot more character to the downtown core,” Rancourt says. “There aren’t many businesses on Queen Street that are open past 5 o’clock. We think that’ll help drive in more customers.”

Beef jerky is still being made at Bruni’s Fine Foods, but they’re hoping to get permission from Algoma Public Health to implement a smoker on-site at their storefront. The owners also intend on building a patio out front next year.