Walking into Geyer’s Jerky and Collectables, a small store nestled in the Shoppes at East Wind in Wading River, feels like a kid discovering a curio shop at the beginning of an ’80s coming-of-age fantasy film.
On the left wall, you’ll find a selection of meat sticks and jerky. Turn a few inches to the right and you’ll discover rare and vintage toys. Approach the counter and you’ll see some old china sets, bagged comic books, autographed sports helmets and even Barbie dolls.
What is this fascinating place?
Geyer’s Jerky and Collectables is the creation of Gus Geyer, a retired mental health outreach worker with Federations of Organizations, who originally intended to start a wholesale business distributing Buffalo Bob’s Wild Game Meat Snacks.
“The response was phenomenal,” Geyer said of the early days of his operation.
After selling the jerky and meat sticks at street fairs and flea markets, East Wind reached out to Geyer about opening a store.
He partnered with his friend, Ken Woisin, to sell collectibles and toys, making for a unique shopping experience.
The meat sticks and jerky are also unique, with Geyer being the only local distributor of Buffalo Bob’s.
Geyer, who is a big fan of the snacks, noted that the kangaroo, ostrich, camel and alligator sticks are the most popular.
“It’s funny,” said Geyer. “I get people coming in with their kids going, ‘Oh, here’s the toy store!’ or ‘Here’s the sports store!’ Whatever they’re looking for, they see it here. It’s a little-bit-of-everything store.”
The recently opened store, located at 5768 Route 25A Suite V4, in Wading River, opens at 10 a.m. each day, closing at 6 p.m. on Sundays, 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
