Western Smokehouse Partners, a provider of better-for-you meat snacks and a partner in private-label and co-manufacturing, announces the acquisition of Junior’s Smokehouse, a Texas-based manufacturer known for its hand-crafted jerky and high-quality meat products.

Located in El Campo, Texas, Junior’s Smokehouse brings 40 years of smokehouse heritage, a strong workforce and a reputation for premium-quality craft meats. The acquisition expands Western Smokehouse Partners’ national footprint and enhances its ability to serve customers with diverse product capabilities and increased manufacturing capacity.

“Junior’s Smokehouse has built an incredible legacy rooted in quality, craftsmanship and care for their people. These values strongly align with who we are at Western Smokehouse Partners,” said Matt Bormann, CEO of Western Smokehouse Partners. “Their team and experience help reinforce our foundation and opens the door to what’s possible in the years ahead.”

Founded in 1985, Junior’s Smokehouse developed from a small family business into a versatile production facility offering jerky, smoked sausages and various specialty meats. The company has extensive experience in private-label production, making it a natural fit for Western Smokehouse Partners’ core strengths.

Through the acquisition, Western Smokehouse Partners will integrate Junior’s Smokehouse into its network of manufacturing facilities across Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Idaho and now Texas. Due to existing customer growth, Western will also be building a second manufacturing facility, also in El Campo, which will break ground in early Q1 2026. The move aligns with Western Smokehouse Partners’ larger growth strategy focused on expanding capacity, elevating food-safety standards and investing in long-term partnerships across the industry.

“Joining Western Smokehouse Partners marks an exciting new chapter for our team,” said Scott Chambers, CEO of Junior’s Smokehouse. “Their commitment to quality and investment in people gives us confidence that our work will not only continue but grow in new and meaningful ways.”

As part of the transition, Western Smokehouse Partners will invest in training and operational support to ensure Junior’s Smokehouse teams have the resources they need to succeed. The company plans to maintain production at the El Campo facility while expanding capabilities in line with Western Smokehouse Partners’ other facilities.

“We believe in embracing what makes Junior’s Smokehouse unique while helping them scale for the future,” said Doug Hankes, Chief Operating Officer of Western Smokehouse Partners. “Their tradition of hand-crafted quality meat products will be a powerful addition to our portfolio and to the customers we serve.”

Source: American Association of Meat Processors