Local Couple Launches Greenport Jerky Company After Years at Marina

GREENPORT, NY - After years in the marine business, a Greenport couple has set sail toward a new dream, launching the recently unveiled Greenport Jerky Company.

According to Capt. Vincent Macchirole, 53, he and his wife Carolyn, 51, are excited about navigating their new culinary adventure.

Their aim, he said, "is to bring premium, fresh made jerky to the East End of Long Island. Our handcrafted jerky is made in small batches, allowing us to produce a high quality, tender and mouthwatering jerky."

The jerky, he said, is made from select U.S. beef, "not imported beef, like most other jerky companies use." Customers, he said, "will be enjoying only a superior first-rate jerky made in our USDA approved facility."

The family recipes, going back 21 years, ensure a "one of a kind, gourmet jerky," Macchirole said. "The best you will ever try."

The couple, who owned Gateway Marine in Flanders since 1987 and were partners in Strongs Marine of Flanders for around 10 of those years, sold the business and property in 2015.

Macchirole continues to work in the marine business as a licensed captain, doing new boat orientations, lessons and private charters.

His wife Carolyn will work the farmers' market , he said.

They're a living testament to the adage that a couple that works together, stays together.

"Carolyn and I have been working together at the marina for years. So it should be no different, but instead of boats, now it's jerky. I have alway enjoyed working boat shows and building customer relationships throughout my career. So this will give me an opportunity to still participate in different events when I am not busy on the water."

The pair decided to start Greenport Jerky Company because of "our love of good quality, gourmet jerky," Macchirole said.

Currently, the pair outsources the jerky, working closely with the family that makes the product, "a small USDA family facility out west," he said. "We work together making the best jerky marinades."

To start, Greenport Jerky Company will offer 14 flavors, 11 beef and four fish. "We plan on narrowing it down to the most popular and focusing on them," with a goal of five to seven flavors, he said.

He added that he and his wife love jerky because it's a high protein choice. "It's the perfect snack," Macchirole said. "Like craft beer, jerky is making a huge comeback."

And what better place to kickstart the new business than the North Fork, he added. His wife was born at Eastern Long Island Hospital and graduated from Southold High School. He graduated from Greenport High School.

"Greenport is a perfect little village. We couldn't think of any other place to start a business and raise a family. This is our home," Macchirole said.

Greenport Jerky Company will be onhand at the Greenport Farmers Market every Saturday from 9 am. to 1 pm.

For additional information on where to buy the jerky, click here, or check out the Greenport Jerky Company Facebook pagefor updates on fairs, festivals and farmers' markets.