Jimmy's Chinese Style Beef Jerky

I posted this in the 90's nostalgia thread, but I think it deserves its own.

Jimmy's Chinese Style Beef Jerky used to be ubiquitous around Canada and the US. For that reason, it's surely a part of many of our childhoods. As of 7 years ago, it became impossible to find. A quick google of Jimmy's Fine Food Ltd. reveals a contact number and office address.

Jimmy's Fine Foods Ltd.
2020 Dundas St, Vancouver, BC, V5L 1J4
Phone: 604-253-3944
Fax: 604-254-6616

Sadly, many jerky mourners have called this number, without success, indicating that the company is indeed out of business. This was posted on another forum:

I'll never get to taste this paper thin treat again, but at least I know I'm not alone.

 

There was a topic about this at redflagdeals.

I miss it so much. Still remember that taste.

 

You should try Bee Kim Heng. BKH Jerky just re-opened at a new location at 3201 Fraser St.

 

Bee Kim Heng on Fraser St. (and 16th) is very good but if you are looking for jerky that tastes like Jimmy's, you will be disappointed.

 

Found out that I went to school with the owner's daughters and have some mutual friends. Word is that the owner wanted to retire early. He and the family still holds onto the recipe though.

 

I miss the them. T&T used to sell them along with other grocery stores. I think even Superstore carried them at one point.

 

Let's organize a committee to see if we can reestablish this iconic Canadian Chinese heritage!!!

I've traveled extensively and tasted jerky from all corners of the world and there's nothing that even comes close. Does anybody know if the old gentleman is still with us? I remember this from my childhood, so I'm sure he's up there in age. My uncle used to have grocery stores in San Francisco and would import it. Who knows how to get a hold of the granddaughter? Milquetoast ?

 

Yes definitely need to get this made again. I loved this stuff. We used to bring it back to England when we'd visit family in Vancouver.

 

Jimmy's Beef jerky?

When my mom couldn't bring beef jerky back with her from Hong Kong...

2nd choice? Jimmy's. I ate this from 1963... Into the 1990's. I miss Jimmy's. I am 62.

 

Does anyone have the contact for Jimmy? or Jimmy's daughter and son in Law.
I would like to help resurrect the company and or beef jerky

please contact me via txt or email
780 707-0069
[email protected]

 

I think Jimmys was a staple in every Asian baby boomers homes in Vancouver. Our family would always have boxes on hand to give to people for gifts, special occasions or just to give to people when visiting their homes. It's great to hear that Jimmy was in a position to retire early but it is also sad that the recipe retired with him. A lot of Chinatown delicacies were lost when the elders wanted to retire and their kids didn't want to take over the family business. Bee Kim Heng on Fraser Street is very good, but pales in comparison if you are looking for something that replicates Jimmys.

 

Yes, it was a staple in my childhood. There has been nothing that comes close to the taste, texture and thinness of this jerky. I’m glad I for the opportunity to have had a taste of it before it was gone forever. People who have not had the pleasure of trying it don’t know what they’re missing. Jimmy’s jerky was legend!