"Spreading" the News with the "Beef" on Owning a Store
Locally owned and operated.
Hope & Brian Smith
(4) Myrtle Beach, SC | Hilton Head, SC
Kalena & Dale Musgrave
Red Lodge, MT | Cody, WY
Anthony Lingis
Washington, PA | Grove City, PA | Hershey, PA | Deep Creek, MD
Mark & Connie Ostern
Hill City, SD | Deadwood, SD | Keystone, SD
John Schemm
Destin, FL | Pensacola, FL | Syracuse, NY
Kristie & Thomas Veitch
Cape May, NJ | St. Augustine, FL
Ryan Oldham
Estes Park, CO | Breckenridge, CO | Manitou Springs, CO
Steven Zettler
Stockyards, TX | Grapevine, TX
Questions? We Have Answers!
General
What markets are available for a Beef Jerky Experience or Peanut Butter Shoppe franchise?
Both the Beef Jerky Experience and Peanut Butter Shoppe franchises are available in all U.S. states, excluding Hawaii. International opportunities are not currently available. Contact Bill Szlachta to find out which territories are still open near you.
What is the Peanut Butter Shoppe?
The Peanut Butter Shoppe is a one-of-a-kind specialty retail concept dedicated entirely to small-batch, artisan peanut butters and complementary products like peanut butter cups, brittle, pretty much anything peanut related. With dozens of flavors, giftable packaging, and an interactive in-store experience WITH samples, it is a destination customers seek out and return to again and again.
Can I open a Peanut Butter Shoppe on its own, or does it have to be paired with a Beef Jerky Experience?
Both options are available. You can open a standalone Peanut Butter Shoppe or combine it with a Beef Jerky Experience for a powerful dual-concept store that gives customers two reasons to walk through your door.
How long is the franchise agreement and can I renew?
We offer a 5-year franchise agreement with three 5-year renewal options, giving you up to 20 years of franchise rights.
How large are the beef jerky and peanut butter industries?
The beef jerky market represents $2.8 billion in sales and continues to grow. The U.S. peanut butter market is valued at over $2 billion annually, making the combined BJE + PBS opportunity one of the strongest in specialty food retail.
Where is the best location for a Beef Jerky Experience or Peanut Butter Shoppe?
Both concepts thrive in high-traffic tourism areas, outlet malls, resort towns, and lifestyle centers. The Peanut Butter Shoppe also performs well in gift and specialty retail corridors. Our team will help evaluate sites in your market.
Do I need to attend a Discovery Day to purchase?
Yes. Discovery Day is a required step for all candidates. You will spend time with our leadership team, see the brand in action, and get a clear picture of ownership from day one.
Financial
How much is the franchise fee?
New franchisees pay $49,900. Ask about our discounts for Veterans and multi-unit agreements. Learn more here.
How much does a Beef Jerky Experience or Peanut Butter Shoppe franchise cost?
A Beef Jerky Experience and/or Peanut Butter Shoppe franchise ranges from $196,700 to $404,850, including the $49,900 franchise fee. A Peanut Butter Shoppe or combined dual-concept location varies based on model and size. Ongoing fees include a 6% royalty and 2% marketing contribution.
What is the liquid capital requirement for a candidate?
Candidates should have a minimum net worth of approximately $400,000. Our team reviews each application individually and is happy to walk you through the full qualification process.
What is the net worth requirement for a candidate?
Approximately $400,000. Learn more here.
Operations
How long does it take to open a Beef Jerky Experience or Peanut Butter Shoppe?
Location! Location! Location! Finding the right location and completing your lease typically takes 6 months or more. Build-out, training, and setup follow from there. Our team guides you through every step so nothing falls through the cracks.
Do I need to have retail experience before opening a store?
No prior retail experience is required. We are looking for self-motivated, driven people who are ready to follow a proven system and lead a team. If you have those qualities, we will teach you everything else.
How many employees will I need to run my store?
Staffing needs vary by location, model, and hours. You will work with our team during training to determine the right number for your specific store. Most locations operate efficiently with a small, motivated team.
What ongoing support does the Home Office provide?
We pride ourselves on the depth of support we offer every franchisee. You will have access to field support, marketing resources, operational guidance, product updates, and a network of fellow owners who have been where you are. You are NEVER on your own.
Is there an example of a successful standalone Peanut Butter Shoppe I can visit?
Yes. Our first standalone Peanut Butter Shoppe opened in Bucks County, Pennsylvania at 44 St. Road, New Hope, PA 18938.
What does training look like when I open my first location?
When opening your first location, you will receive 1 to 2 hours of virtual training per week for 8 weeks, plus hands-on on-site support at your grand opening. And it does not stop once you are open! We pride ourselves on helping when you need it most.
Product
Where is the jerky made and what styles do you carry?
Our jerky is crafted by skilled artisans across the United States using small-batch methods. Every style is made with passion and we proudly call our producers the Masters of Jerky. We carry Tender Smoked, Traditional, Classic, Crispy, Biltong, and Game and Exotic styles. Fun fact: it takes about 3 pounds of meat to make 1 pound of jerky.
Is the jerky and peanut butter exclusive to Beef Jerky Experience and Peanut Butter Shoppe locations?
Yes. Our private label jerky and peanut butter are available exclusively at Beef Jerky Experience and Peanut Butter Shoppe locations and on our website and in-store. You will not find it anywhere else, which is a major driver of repeat visits and customer loyalty.
How many jerky varieties do you carry?
We carry over 100 types, flavors, and sizes of jerky, ranging from mild to wild. Whether a customer loves classic beef or wants to try something adventurous like alligator or elk, we have something for everyone.
What products does the Peanut Butter Shoppe carry beyond peanut butter?
In addition to our signature small-batch peanut butters, the Peanut Butter Shoppe carries nut butters, jams and jellies, powdered peanut butters great for baking, peanut butter cups, and curated gift sets. There is something for every peanut butter lover.
How many peanut butter flavors do you offer?
We carry a wide and rotating selection of small-batch flavors including Butter Scotch, Choc Choc, Capu Cino, Honey Roast, Natural Peanut, Dessert Style, and many more. New flavors are introduced regularly to keep the experience fresh. Fun fact: it takes about 2 pounds of peanuts to make 1 pound of peanut butter.
Can customers sample the products before buying?
Absolutely. Our motto is See it. Taste it. Share it. Sampling is a key part of the experience. Customers who taste, typically buy, and the variety of flavors makes every visit a discovery. Sampling policies may vary by location.
How often do you release new jerky flavors?
Our vendor team is constantly sourcing new and exciting jerky varieties. We aim to introduce many new flavors per year, keeping the shelves fresh and giving customers a reason to come back and discover something new every visit.
Additional Questions
If you have any questions not listed here, please fill out the Application Form and someone from our development team will be in touch very soon.
You can also email Bill Szlachta, Director of Franchise Sales, at: [email protected].
We look forward to hearing from you!
Request Franchise Information
Fill out our contact form and you will be redirected to download our Franchise Kit. Inside, you'll find everything from investment details and timeline to support systems, team introductions, and FAQs.