Art Oberto grew his father’s sausage company into one of the largest producers of beef jerky in the United States.
- Died: Friday, August 26, 2022. (Who else died on August 26?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 95.
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The Jerky King
Art Oberto’s father Constantino came to Seattle from Italy and sold sausages from recipes he brought from his home country. When he died in 1943, his wife and son Art took over the family business. Art grew the company and at one point Oberto was the largest producer of beef jerky in America. The company was known for their jerky, sausage sticks and their “Oh Boy!” slogan. Art Oberto was well known in Seattle, often seen handing out pens and wearing a red, white, and green paper hat that his employees would wear. The company became a sponsor of hydroplane boat races. In 2018, the family business was sold to Premium Brand Holdings.
Notable Quote
“Why sell out when we own everything and I can control my own destiny?” – He told the Seattle Times in 2007 in regards to offers to sell his company
Tributes to Art Oberto
Full Obituary: Seattle Times
