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Western Smokehouse Partners Acquires Junior's Smokehouse
Galesburg-based company expands national manufacturing network to eight facilities
Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:15pm
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Western Smokehouse Partners, a leading provider of better-for-you meat snacks headquartered in Galesburg, Illinois, has acquired Junior's Smokehouse, a respected manufacturer based in El Campo, Texas. The acquisition adds 40 years of smokehouse heritage and expertise in hand-crafted jerky, smoked sausages, and specialty meats to Western Smokehouse Partners' growing network spanning five states.
Why it matters
The acquisition allows Western Smokehouse Partners to expand its national footprint and manufacturing capabilities to meet growing customer demand for its products. It also enables the company to leverage Junior's Smokehouse's legacy of quality and craftsmanship to further strengthen its brand and offerings.
The details
As part of the deal, Western Smokehouse Partners will integrate the Texas facility into its network and plans to break ground on a second manufacturing site in El Campo in early 2026 to support customer growth. The company will maintain production at the existing Junior's Smokehouse location while providing training and operational support to its employees.
- The acquisition was announced on Monday, January 26, 2026.
- Western Smokehouse Partners plans to break ground on a new facility in El Campo, Texas in early 2026.
The players
Western Smokehouse Partners
A leading provider of better-for-you meat snacks headquartered in Galesburg, Illinois, with three locations in the city and a growing national manufacturing network.
Junior's Smokehouse
A respected manufacturer of hand-crafted jerky, smoked sausages, and specialty meats based in El Campo, Texas, with 40 years of smokehouse heritage and expertise.
Matt Bormann
CEO of Western Smokehouse Partners.
Scott Chambers
CEO of Junior's Smokehouse.
Doug Hankes
Chief Operating Officer of Western Smokehouse Partners.
What they’re saying
“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.”
— Matt Bormann, CEO of Western Smokehouse Partners
“Joining Western Smokehouse Partners marks an exciting new chapter for our team. 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.”
— Scott Chambers, CEO of Junior's Smokehouse
“We believe in embracing what makes Junior's Smokehouse unique while helping them scale for the future. Their tradition of hand-crafted quality meat products will be a powerful addition to our portfolio and to the customers we serve.”
— Doug Hankes, Chief Operating Officer of Western Smokehouse Partners
What’s next
Western Smokehouse Partners plans to break ground on a second manufacturing facility in El Campo, Texas in early 2026 to support customer growth.
The takeaway
The acquisition of Junior's Smokehouse allows Western Smokehouse Partners to expand its national footprint and manufacturing capabilities, while also leveraging the Texas company's legacy of quality and craftsmanship to strengthen its brand and offerings in the growing better-for-you meat snacks market.
