ABOUT JOHNNY
Soldier · Pitmaster · Fire Sauce Alchemist · Founder of Jon Juan's
The Origin Story
HOW IT ALL STARTED
Jon Juan's Beef Jerky was born in the backyard of a veteran who couldn't find jerky bold enough to match his taste. After 10 years serving in the U.S. Army, Johnny came home with a fire in his belly — literally — and a mission to create something worth sharing.
Half white, half Mexican, Johnny grew up with bold flavors on both sides of the table. That heritage is the soul of every recipe — real heat, real spice, zero pretense. Each batch is hand-marinated, slow-dried, and built to hit different than anything you'll find on a store shelf.
What started as bags passed out at family cookouts has grown into something bigger — a brand that represents grit, flavor, and the veteran spirit. Every bag you buy supports a family-owned business and honors the craft of real, bold jerky.
The Name Behind the Brand
WHO IS JON JUAN?
The name "Jon Juan" wasn't something Johnny came up with on his own — it was a gift. His best friend Felix, who knew him better than anyone, started calling him that years ago. It stuck immediately. Johnny is Jonathan, and with half his blood running Mexican, Felix said there was no better name. Jon Juan — the two sides of the same guy, rolled into one.
Felix has a way of seeing people clearly. He saw the Army vet who could also throw down in the kitchen, the white kid who grew up on tamales and street tacos, the guy who takes everything seriously but can still make a room laugh. That's Jon Juan. That's the brand.
"To Felix — the guy who named the brand before there was a brand. This one's yours too."
Years Served
A decade in the United States Army forged the discipline, grit, and zero-shortcuts mentality that goes into every bag.
Bold Flavors
Original, Jalapeño, and Habanero — each recipe dialed in through years of backyard experimentation and honest feedback.
Veteran Owned
Family-run and veteran-owned, every bag you buy supports a mission built on heritage, pride, and real flavor.
"REAL JERKY FOR REAL PEOPLE. BOLD FLAVORS BORN FROM DISCIPLINE, TWO CULTURES, AND A WHOLE LOT OF HEAT."
— Johnny, Founder of Jon Juan'sOur Mission
VETERAN BUILT. COMMUNITY DRIVEN.
At Jon Juan's, we believe in quality you can taste and a story worth sharing. As a veteran-owned small business, we're committed to crafting jerky that stands apart — using premium cuts, bold marinades, and zero shortcuts. Ten years of Army discipline doesn't just leave you. It shows up in every batch.
Every purchase directly supports our family and our mission. We give back to veteran organizations and local community events whenever we can. When you snack on Jon Juan's, you're part of something bigger.