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Playa del Carmen: A fast-growing beach town known for its unbelievable natural surroundings, its Maya heritage, and its free-spirited, adventurous community.
With such a creative local population, it’s no surprise that Playa’s small businesses are growing just as quickly as the town itself. Just a few months after moving to Playa del Carmen, you’ll quickly find locally-run outfits like breweries, mezcalerías, clothing designers, bakeries and so, so much more. Just visit any of the local markets and farmers’ markets in Playa del Carmen to get a taste of the kind of local businesses we have!
Recently, we learned about yet another new Playa business: Ch’arki Jerky, a beef jerky company about to celebrate its 1-year anniversary with a bash at new bar and brewery Carmen Beer Co (another local business to check out). Ch’arki Jerky sells beef jerky in four tempting flavors: The Original (smoky and sweet), The Peppered (with cracked black, green and red pepper), Sesame Sriracha, and Habanero Tamarind Extra Fuego.
BuyPlaya Real Estate sat down with Sara Moen, owner and founder of Ch’arki Jerky and originally from northern California, to hear a little more about what it’s like to be a local business owner here in Playa del Carmen.
Let’s start from the beginning… What brought you to Playa del Carmen?
I originally came down in the spring of 2002 for a month long holiday, and met my future business partners during that trip. I had moved here permanently by December of the same year, and helped to open a new school (I am a teacher).
What was your inspiration for starting a local business here in Playa?
I am originally from California and it has been popular for years, beef, poultry, game, seafood... you name it and it is available in jerky form in California. I have always been a fan, and now it has become even more popular due to the Crossfit and Paleo craze: high in protein and low in fat.
This is actually my third business in Playa! But it is the first business that I have been involved in related to food. I am a huge fan of jerky and there just isn´t any available here. Occasionally you can find it at Costco, but it is packed with sugar and preservatives.
How has the response been so far?
After only a year we are doing amazingly well and sales are growing by leaps and bounds each week... we are so excited that we are getting such a positive response!
Has it been a difficult process opening a business in Playa?
I think there are all types of challenges in opening a business anywhere, but trying it in a foreign country and language with different rules, cultural norms and processes can be very difficult to adjust too. However, your successes are all that much more satisfying!!
You have your 1-year anniversary event coming up November 4 at Carmen Beer Co! Congrats! What made you want to partner with Carmen Beer Co. for this event?
I met the Carmen Beer boys at one of the local markets and I liked them straight away. Plus who doesn’t want good artisan beer and beef jerky together??
What would you like to do with Ch’arki Jerky moving forward? Any plans?
Absolutely. We are growing and expanding every day and want to continue to do so! I cannot give away all of our secrets, but it is exciting stuff!
And lastly… What do you love most about living in Playa?
Oh, I have been in Playa for nearly 14 years, and I will never tire of the wonderful tropical weather, the beaches, the cenotes, the lifestyle... but one of my favorite things is our multicultural and international community... I have never experienced anything like it before!!
If you want to try Ch’arki Jerky for yourself, plus locally brewed beer, stop by Carmen Beer Co. on Friday, November 4 starting at 7 pm for the 1 year anniversary celebration! It’s only $150 pesos (that’s less than $10 bucks) and you get 4 jerky samples, a flight of beer samples, a brewery tour and more surprises. The perfect way to get to know two local Playa del Carmen businesses in one night!
Carmen Beer Co. is located at Plaza Xaman Ha, on the main highway across from Centro Maya.
Psst… Click here to see our Playa del Carmen event calendar for this and other upcoming events in the area.
Won’t be able to make it to the anniversary event? You can also buy your own Ch’arki Jerky! In addition to numerous retail stands at stores throughout the Riviera Maya, they also participate in many of the local markets and they do specialty orders and deliveries. If you’re a jerky fan or just curious to try it, visit them online at www.CharkiJerky.com or click here to follow Ch’arki Jerky on Facebook.