In the early 1900's, the Nanamura family left Japan and settled in California in the central valley city of Lindsay. Frank Nanamura was born in Lindsay, the eldest son of seven siblings. The family established twenty acres of citrus in 1931 but when WWII broke out, they were forced to leave everything behind, except what would fit in a suitcase. Along with many other Japanese Americans, the Nanamuras were bussed to an internment camp in Poston, Arizona. Frank was given the option to enlist in the Army and took the opportunity to serve his country.
In 1945, the Nanamura family was the first Japanese American family to return to Lindsay when released from the camps. They were apprehensive of the return and were often discriminated against when allowed to go into town, via police escort. They were extremely blessed when a nearby neighbor would sneak into their citrus groves occasionally while away at the internment camp and water their groves and hid their valuable belongings from Japan. Due to that selfless act, the Nanamura family was able to come home to their grove, which in turn allowed them to help their fellow Japanese Americans as they also returned home. Frank's father, Torakichi, was given an award from the Emperor of Japan, for helping his fellow Japanese American citizens reestablish their lives in Lindsay.
Frank returned home shortly after and helped continue the growth of the family ranch and started his own farming operation years later. After several years of successful farming and starting his own family, Frank, along with his wife Frances, decided to venture out and take on the challenge of producing a quality beef jerky in Porterville, using the recipe of Frank's mother's teriyaki marinade and style of cooking.
Frank & Frances were able to establish a USDA meat processing facility in 1979, with much sacrifice and adapt the family's recipes for USDA approval. Frank laid the foundation of a reputable product and was very much appreciative of his new loyal and faithful customers.
Today, the second generation is still carrying on the traditions and the groundwork laid long ago. Still producing a quality beef jerky, with recipes made from scratch, all hand prepared. Offering nine flavors, ranging from Teriyaki to our Original Plano, with the option of regular or chunky cut. No artificial preservatives or flavoring in our Teriyaki line and all flavors are Natural Hickory Smoked.
The business has expanded into offering local gourmet items, olives, honey, nuts and vingarettes, all produced locally here in the Central Valley. We also offer custom gift packs and baskets. Feel free to stop by and say hello and remember that we can ship anywhere nationwide and can ship if needed or picked up at our storefront/processing plant location in Porterville. We have always offered shipping, anywhere nationwide.
Most locals know Plano Street, the road dropping south from Lewis Hill. A lot of jerky fans also know Plano, Texas. But who or what was Plano Street named for? And are the two related?
Drive two miles south of town (on Plano) to find the answer. A historical plaque describes your present location is Plano, an historic pioneer village settled in 1861. Though little remains of Plano today it was historically a major commerce center.
The settlers arriving from Texas brought blacksmiths, stores, the brick kiln, and the name Plano long before Porter Putnam's place became Porterville! For some time the only local school, post office and cemetery were in Plano, establishing it as the major trading center.