Toowoomba business Jim’s Jerky celebrates 20 years following devastating fire

Rising from the ashes, these homegrown humble graziers turned international meat moguls have celebrated a major milestone only one year on from a shocking factory fire.

Jim's Jerky chief executive Emily Pullen at the Jerky HQ 20th year celebration on Sunday September 29. Picture: Kate Stephenson

A popular family-owned Toowoomba business is back on its feet after suffering a shocking factory fire which closed down production.

Charlton jerky legends Jim’s Jerky celebrated 20 years in the business at the weekend, one year on from the devastating fire that tore through their factory, leaving them out of commission for months.

“It was a really difficult year last year so it’s really nice to have a celebration at the tail end of this year after a pretty tumultuous 12 months,” chief executive and daughter of founders Jim and Cathie Tanner, Emily Pullen, said.

In April 2023, a fire ripped through the businesses main factory, destroying three commercial dryers and shutting down production.

QFES fire investigator David Lethbridge at the scene of the fire at Jim's Jerky, Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“I don’t recommend having a fire but it is good to be back in business and running again,” Ms Pullen said.

“It took us probably four months before we started making anything and about 12 months before we were rebuilt to the same capacity.

“We didn’t have power here for probably about a month, so we were running off generators and we had amazing customers that were dropping off water and snacks and cakes just to keep everybody going.”

Jim’s adoring fans showed their support yet again, making their way from far and wide to Jerky HQ on the Warrego Highway to celebrate 20 years of quality meat.

“It was great we had lots of visitors come through, our staff and lots of loyal customers,” Ms Pullen said.

Toowoomba business owner and Jim's Jerky founder, Jim Tanner, has released a range of school lunch snacks called Jimmie's Beef Bites.

“It’s a real milestone for a small family business to make it to 20 years.

“The support of the community is amazing.”

With a background as graziers, Ms Pullen credited hard yakka and an undying love for the product as the keys to their success today.

“I think we get invited to parties because we bring the jerky,” Ms Pullen said.

“My parents started Jim’s Jerky 20 years ago. They didn’t really know what they were doing, it’s just real grit and determination to make the best products possible and it’s grown from there.

“The first month Jim made 12kg of jerky and now we are exporting internationally and all over Australia.

“We’re still excited for what the next 20 years will be.”