Pork Barrel Bbq
Pork Barrel BBQ is a privately held consumer food brand founded in 2008 that sells award-winning gluten-free BBQ sauces, dry rubs, and bacon jerky, plus a newer line of grill and griddle tools, through national retailers including Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, and Target and through its own e-commerce storefront.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersAlexandria, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Pork Barrel Bbq does
Pork Barrel BBQ is a privately held, multi-category consumer food and outdoor-cooking brand founded in 2008 by former Senate staffers and competition pitmasters Heath Hall and Brett Thompson, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. The company's core food business consists of four bottled BBQ sauces (Original, Sweet, Carolina Vinegar, and Mustard), three dry rubs (All-American Spice Rub, Steak Dry Rub, and Chicken Rub), and a Bacon Jerky line launched via Kickstarter in 2015. Beginning in 2026 the company has expanded into adjacent outdoor-cooking hardware through its BBQ Tools division, with grill tool sets, grill brushes, grill covers, and a new griddle-accessory collection available on Walmart.com.
The company operates a hybrid direct-to-consumer and retail distribution model. Products are sold through the company's own Shopify storefront (porkbarrelbbq.com), Amazon, and a national retail footprint spanning Costco, Sam's Club (600+ locations, anchored by a ~350,000 lb single production run for the All-American Spice Rub), Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Bed Bath & Beyond, and regional grocers including Publix, Giant Eagle, Albertsons, and Harris Teeter. Pricing is unit-based, with rubs priced at roughly $24, BBQ sauces sold in 6-packs around $42, gift packs near $59, and grill covers at $90. A single corporate-owned restaurant in Del Ray (Alexandria, VA), opened November 2011, provides an additional food-service channel.
The business was catalyzed by a September 2009 Shark Tank deal with Barbara Corcoran, after which the company reportedly reached 1,000+ stores across 38 states within roughly one year, and over the past decade has accumulated awards including Men's Health 'Best BBQ Sauce in America', Cook's Illustrated 'Supreme Sauce', multiple Grand Championships at the Safeway National Capital BBQ Battle, and a Perdue National Chicken Champions title. The founders report raising more than $10M across their companies and the BBQ Tools division is preparing a Regulation Crowdfunding raise via Wefunder to scale its non-food hardware business. No revenue, headcount growth, or institutional funding metrics are disclosed, and the company remains founder-controlled with no parent company or M&A activity identified.
Pork Barrel Bbq firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pork Barrel Bbq
- Legal name
- Pork Barrel BBQ
- Website
- https://porkbarrelbbq.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Pork Barrel BBQ is a privately held consumer food brand founded in 2008 that sells award-winning gluten-free BBQ sauces, dry rubs, and bacon jerky, plus a newer line of grill and griddle tools, through national retailers including Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, and Target and through its own e-commerce storefront.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pork Barrel Bbq industry classification
Industry- Product category
- BBQ Sauces & Seasonings
- SIC
- Food And Kindred Products (2000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- BBQ Sauce & Marinades Manufacturing (AFAKADAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Outdoor Cooking, Grills & Fuel Retail (CRAMAMAD), Cooked/Ready-to-Eat Pork Products (Fully Cooked, Sliced, Diced) (AFANABAG)
Keywords
Where Pork Barrel Bbq is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Alexandria
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Pork Barrel Bbq business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- BBQ Sauces: Sale of bottled BBQ sauces including Original, Sweet, Carolina Vinegar, and Mustard varieties. Sold in individual bottles, 6-packs, and as part of gift sets. Distribution through retail stores and e-commerce.
- Spice Rubs and Seasonings: Dry rub and seasoning products including All-American Spice Rub, Steak Dry Rub, and Chicken Rub. Sold in shaker bottles individually and in sampler packs.
- Bacon Jerky: Shark Tank-featured bacon jerky product line launched via Kickstarter with multiple flavor varieties. Sold through retail and e-commerce.
- BBQ Tools and Accessories: Grill tool sets, grill brushes, grill covers, and griddle accessories sold through retail and e-commerce. New product category expanding since 2026.
- Restaurant Operations: Pork Barrel BBQ Restaurant opened November 2011 in Del Ray, Alexandria, VA. Also partnered to open Holy Cow gourmet burger joint and The Sushi Bar.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Individual products priced from $23.95 to $89.99 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels10 records
Marketing channels8 records
Pork Barrel Bbq product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pork Barrel BBQ manufactures and sells a portfolio of award-winning barbecue food products (four BBQ sauce varieties, three dry rub seasonings, and a bacon jerky line) under its own brand, alongside a division of pitmaster-designed outdoor cooking accessories including grill tools, brushes, covers, and griddle accessories. Products are sold direct-to-consumer through its own e-commerce store and Amazon, and distributed nationally through warehouse clubs, mass merchants, grocery, and specialty retailers.
Product overview
Pork Barrel BBQ is an award-winning barbecue company offering a portfolio of food products and BBQ tools. The core product line consists of four BBQ sauces (Original, Sweet, Carolina Vinegar, and Mustard varieties) and three dry rub seasonings (All-American, Steak, and Chicken). These food products are sold individually, in 6-pack cases, or as combination gift packs. Beyond food products, the company has expanded into the BBQ Tools Division offering outdoor cooking accessories including grill tool sets, grill brushes, waterproof grill covers, and a new griddle tool collection launched in 2026. The company also offers bacon jerky as an additional product category. All products are available through the company's e-commerce store, Amazon, Walmart, and major retailers including Costco, Sam's Club, and Target.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- BBQ Tools: A division of Pork Barrel BBQ focused on developing affordable, high-quality outdoor cooking accessories including grill covers, grill brushes, grill tool sets, and griddle accessories.
Products and services
- Pork Barrel BBQ All-American Spice Rub 22 oz all-purpose dry rub seasoning that is gluten-free with no preservatives or MSG, used at the Pork Barrel BBQ Restaurant, in competition BBQ, and in home cooking on pork, steak, chicken, and vegetables.
- Pork Barrel BBQ Original BBQ Sauce National award-winning tangy BBQ sauce named 'Best BBQ Sauce in America' by Men's Health Magazine and 'Supreme Sauce' by America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Illustrated; gluten-free competition BBQ sauce sold individually and in 6-pack cases.
- Pork Barrel BBQ Sweet BBQ Sauce Sweet BBQ sauce judged America's Best BBQ Sauce at the National Capital BBQ Battle and named to Country Living's list of Best Barbecue Sauces in the Country; gluten-free with no high fructose corn syrup or MSG, sold individually and in 6-packs.
- Pork Barrel BBQ Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Vinegar-based BBQ sauce honoring North Carolina barbecue tradition with Lexington-style vinegar kick flavors; gluten-free with no high fructose corn syrup or MSG, sold individually and in 6-packs.
- Pork Barrel BBQ Mustard BBQ Sauce Sweet and smoky mustard-based sauce honoring South Carolina barbecue tradition with honey and herb notes; gluten-free with no high fructose corn syrup or MSG, sold individually and in 6-packs.
- BBQ Seasoning Set / Spice Rub Sampler Pack Three-pack sampler containing All-American Spice Rub (3.8 oz), Steak Dry Rub (4.5 oz), and Chicken Rub Seasoning (3 oz); keto-friendly, sugar-free, and gluten-free award-winning competition seasonings bundled as one purchase.
- Backyard BBQ Sauce and Rub Gift Pack Complete sampler gift pack containing 4 BBQ sauces (Original, Sweet, Mustard, Carolina Vinegar — 14 oz each) and 3 dry rubs (All-American, Steak, Chicken); positioned as a Shark Tank-featured gift for BBQ enthusiasts.
- Pork Barrel BBQ Bacon Jerky Bacon jerky product line launched via Kickstarter in January 2015 across multiple flavors including Old Fashioned Maple, Spicy Sriracha, Honey Pepper, Original BBQ, and Sweet BBQ; became the best-selling jerky at Bed Bath & Beyond.
- Pork Barrel BBQ Grill Tool Set Complete grill tool set including stainless steel spatula, fork, BBQ tongs, grill cleaning brush, and replacement brush head in a carrying case; rust-resistant stainless steel construction with ergonomic non-slip handles designed by pitmasters.
- Pork Barrel BBQ Grill Brush and Scraper Heavy-duty grill cleaning brush with safe stainless steel woven wire design, featuring triple woven wire for 3-in-1 cleaning action (scrubs, wipes, scrapes); universal compatibility with cast iron, stainless steel, and porcelain grates.
- Pork Barrel BBQ Grill Cover Weatherproof heavy-duty grill cover made from 600D canvas with fully elasticized base; waterproof design for full coverage, sized 58" L x 24" W x 48" H to fit Weber Genesis II, Spirit Gas Grills, and other popular grill brands.
- Pork Barrel Griddle Tool and Accessory Collection New griddle accessory line launched June 2026 including Pork Barrel Blackstone 36-inch and 28-inch Griddle Covers, Round Cast Iron Smash Burger Press, Burger and Bacon Griddle Press, Wide Griddle Spatula, and Long Griddle Spatula; designed for Blackstone griddles and other flat-top grills and sold on Walmart.com.
Quantifiable outcome
- Available in over 1,000 retail stores across 38 states within one year of Shark Tank appearance
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Pork Barrel Bbq
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Pork Barrel Bbq technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Pork Barrel Bbq partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Choice HotelscorePartnership with Choice Hotels (Comfort Inns and Comfort Suites) to film and launch a commercial featuring Pork Barrel BBQ, focused on how Choice Hotels are the choice for entrepreneurs traveling while building their brand.
- Dunn & BradstreetminorPartnership to launch a commercial focusing on entrepreneurial spirit and the importance of having good business credit to succeed in the consumer product world.
- Let's Meat on the AvenueminorFirst retail account landed in early 2009 - a dozen tins of rub initial order from Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, VA.
- Jambo PitsminorCompetition BBQ team acquired brand new Jambo Pit smoker in March 2013 after nearly ten months from order placement.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Pork Barrel Bbq competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Blackstone Products: Blackstone Products is the category-defining brand in outdoor flat-top griddles and a growing seller of griddle accessories and covers. It is the central incumbent that Pork Barrel BBQ's June 2026 griddle tools launch on Walmart.com is directly targeting, making it the most relevant incumbent in the new tools growth lane.
- Bull's-Eye BBQ: Bull's-Eye is a Kraft Heinz-owned national BBQ sauce brand sold across virtually all U.S. grocery and mass channels. It is a broad incumbent competitor that defines the mass-market price/value tier against which Pork Barrel BBQ's premium positioning must compete for shelf space and consumer mindshare.
- Weber: Weber is the dominant global grill brand and sells a broad portfolio of grilling tools, covers, and accessories. It is the primary competitive incumbent in the BBQ Tools category that Pork Barrel BBQ's new division is entering, and it defines retailer expectations for tools pricing and quality.
- Traeger Grills: Traeger is the leading U.S. pellet grill brand and has aggressively expanded into branded sauces, rubs, and accessories. It is a broad incumbent competing with Pork Barrel BBQ on the lifestyle/brand layer of BBQ, and its moves into consumables directly pressure premium sauce and rub brands at retail.
Direct peers
- KC Masterpiece: KC Masterpiece is a legacy national BBQ sauce brand distributed in the same grocery and mass channels as Pork Barrel BBQ. It is a direct shelf competitor in the BBQ sauce category and represents the kind of incumbent private-label-adjacent positioning Pork Barrel BBQ must differentiate against.
- Stubb's: Stubb's is a premium-positioned BBQ sauce, rub, and marinade brand (now owned by McCormick). It competes directly with Pork Barrel BBQ in the natural/specialty and mass channels on BBQ sauces and dry rubs, with overlapping regional and competition BBQ heritage.
- Mr. Bar-B-Q: Mr. Bar-B-Q is a value-positioned brand of BBQ tools, accessories, and grilling consumables sold at Walmart, Target, and other mass retailers. It is a direct competitor to Pork Barrel BBQ's BBQ Tools division on price-point accessories, covers, and brushes in the same shelf space at the same retailers.
- Sweet Baby Ray's: Sweet Baby Ray's is the largest national BBQ sauce brand, sold across all major U.S. grocery, club, and mass retailers. It is the most direct head-to-head competitor to Pork Barrel BBQ's flagship Original and Sweet BBQ sauces in the same condiment aisle with similar end consumers.
- Killer Hogs: Killer Hogs is a competition BBQ team turned consumer brand selling rubs, sauces, and BBQ accessories. It is highly comparable to Pork Barrel BBQ on founding story (pitmasters turned entrepreneurs), product mix (rubs, sauces, tools), and target customer (backyard and competition BBQ enthusiasts).
- Blues Hog: Blues Hog is a competition-grade BBQ sauce and rub brand popular on the KCBS circuit and in retail. It directly mirrors Pork Barrel BBQ's competition-pedigree positioning, regional-style sauce portfolio, and retail distribution strategy.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Pork Barrel Bbq social profiles
Digital presencePork Barrel Bbq financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pork Barrel Bbq leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Pork Barrel Bbq funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pork Barrel Bbq M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pork Barrel Bbq
What does Pork Barrel Bbq do?
Pork Barrel BBQ manufactures and sells a portfolio of award-winning barbecue food products (four BBQ sauce varieties, three dry rub seasonings, and a bacon jerky line) under its own brand, alongside a division of pitmaster-designed outdoor cooking accessories including grill tools, brushes, covers, and griddle accessories. Products are sold direct-to-consumer through its own e-commerce store and Amazon, and distributed nationally through warehouse clubs, mass merchants, grocery, and specialty retailers.
Is Pork Barrel Bbq a public or private company?
Pork Barrel Bbq is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Pork Barrel Bbq founded?
Pork Barrel Bbq was founded in 2008. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Pork Barrel Bbq based?
Pork Barrel Bbq is headquartered in Alexandria, United States, in the North America region.
How does Pork Barrel Bbq make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. BBQ Sauces are the primary driver. The others are spice Rubs and Seasonings, bacon Jerky, BBQ Tools and Accessories and restaurant Operations.
Who are Pork Barrel Bbq's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Blackstone Products, Bull's-Eye BBQ, Weber and Traeger Grills. Direct peers are KC Masterpiece, Stubb's, Mr. Bar-B-Q, Sweet Baby Ray's, Killer Hogs and Blues Hog.
Does Pork Barrel Bbq have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pork Barrel Bbq.
What industry is Pork Barrel Bbq in?
Pork Barrel Bbq's product category is BBQ Sauces & Seasonings. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAKADAH, BBQ Sauce & Marinades Manufacturing, with a secondary code of CRAMAMAD, Outdoor Cooking, Grills & Fuel Retail. Its SIC code is 2000.