The Beef Jerky Outlet has officially opened in the Shoppes at Sands and owner Michael Merritt and his wife Jennifer say if their soft opening before the December holiday is any indication, their business will be a great success.

Offering all sorts of jerky products, a selection of dipping sauces, unique and gourmet snacks, T-shirts and hats, and gift baskets, there’s a little something for everyone.

Merritt said it was their first venture into retail after he worked in industrial and medical manufacturing. He said that after working in another store he thought it was time to buy a franchise in the chain that started in Tennessee and now has 107 stores and is expanding up the East Coast.

The Beef Jerky Outlet is open Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and it is located on the lower level of the mall.