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How I Turned My Passion for BBQ into a Veteran-Owned Business

September 27, 2024

When people think of BBQ, they often think about slow-cooked meats, bold flavors, and the smell of something good coming off the grill. But for me, BBQ is about so much more—it’s family, tradition, and the taste of home. My journey from cooking in my mama’s kitchen to running a veteran-owned BBQ business started with a lot of love for good food and a desire to share that with the world. Here’s how I turned my passion for BBQ into J-Boogie’s Tasty Creations, a business that blends Mississippi soul with premium flavors.


The Beginning: Where It All Started


My story starts in the heart of Mississippi, standing by my mama’s side as she worked her magic in the kitchen. She wasn’t just cooking meals; she was creating experiences—every dish filled with the kind of flavor and love that brought people together. I can still remember being a young boy, holding onto her apron strings, watching as she sliced up onions, peppers, garlic, and more. The aroma would fill the room long before dinner hit the table.

Mama, or “Mother Jones” as the neighbors called her, didn’t just teach me to cook—she taught me to appreciate the craft. As I grew older, she let me experiment more, guiding my hand as I learned to balance spices and find that perfect kick of flavor. Those lessons stayed with me long after I left home.


A Soldier’s Discipline Meets BBQ


After I joined the military, those flavors from my childhood became my comfort in tough times. My years in service taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of community—values that run deep in the BBQ world. Whether I was stationed at home or overseas, the smell of something grilling always took me back to those moments in the kitchen with my mama.

When I retired from the military, I knew I wanted to start something of my own. The idea of opening a BBQ business seemed like a natural fit. After all, I had been perfecting my sauces and seasonings for years, and friends kept asking me to bottle the stuff for them. It was time to take my love for cooking and turn it into something bigger. And so, J-Boogie’s Tasty Creations was born.


Building J-Boogie’s Tasty Creations


Starting a veteran-owned business has its challenges, but it also comes with some serious rewards. The BBQ world is competitive, but I knew I had something special—flavors inspired by Mississippi traditions, but with my own unique twist.

I started small, selling to friends and family, then expanding to local markets and BBQ events. The response was overwhelming. People couldn’t get enough of the bold flavors, and soon, I was shipping sauces and rubs all over the South. What started as a passion project grew into something I’m proud to call a business.


But it wasn’t just about the products. My military background taught me the importance of giving back, so being a veteran-owned business meant more than just selling sauces—it meant connecting with other vets, building a community, and showing that with a little bit of grit and a whole lot of passion, anything is possible.


Mississippi Roots, National Reach


At the heart of J-Boogie’s Tasty Creations is my love for Mississippi. It’s where I learned to cook, where I honed my craft, and where my BBQ journey began. But now, I’m proud to say that our sauces, rubs, and seasonings are reaching kitchens all across the country.


Whether it’s a backyard BBQ in Texas, a family gathering in Virginia, or a neighborhood cookout in Louisiana, people are using J-Boogie’s Tasty Creations to bring bold flavors to their meals. It’s a surreal feeling to know that something that started in my mama’s kitchen is now part of so many family traditions.


Conclusion: Bringing People Together, One Plate at a Time


The best part about BBQ, for me, is how it brings people together. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just learning how to work the grill, my hope is that J-Boogie’s Tasty Creations makes your cooking easier, bolder, and more enjoyable. It’s not just about the flavors (though those are important); it’s about the memories you make around the table.


From one vet to another—or from one BBQ lover to another—thank you for letting J-Boogie’s be a part of your kitchen. Keep grilling, keep experimenting, and most of all, keep sharing the love.

Pitmaster Secrets for Tender and Flavorful Barbecue

By Darren Jones • February 12, 2025
Achieving tender and flavorful barbecue is an art that combines the right techniques with patience and attention to detail. Here are some expert tips to elevate your BBQ game: 1. Choose Quality Cuts Start with fresh, well-marbled meats. The marbling ensures the meat remains juicy and flavorful during the cooking process. Opt for cuts like pork shoulder, beef brisket, or ribs known for their tenderness when cooked low and slow. 2. Season Generously Apply a liberal amount of dry rub or marinade to your meat before cooking. This not only enhances flavor but also helps in forming a delicious crust. Experiment with different spice blends to find your signature taste. 3. Maintain Low and Steady Heat Cooking meat "low and slow" at a consistent temperature allows connective tissues to break down, resulting in tender meat. Aim for a cooking temperature around 225°F (107°C) and monitor it closely throughout the process. 4. Use the Right Equipment Invest in a quality smoker or grill that allows for precise temperature control. Additionally, essential tools like tongs, spatulas, and thermometers are crucial for effective grilling. 5. Incorporate Wood Smoke Wisely Select appropriate hardwoods like hickory, oak, or fruitwoods to complement your meat. Ensure your fire burns cleanly to avoid imparting a bitter taste. Remember, smoke should enhance, not overpower, the natural flavors. 6. Wrap for Moisture Once your meat has developed a desirable crust and smoky flavor, wrap it in foil or butcher paper. This technique helps retain moisture and prevents the meat from drying out during the latter stages of cooking. 7. Cook to Tenderness, Not Just Temperature While internal temperature is a good guideline, the true test of doneness is tenderness. Use a probe or toothpick to check; it should slide in with little resistance, indicating the meat is tender. 8. Let It Rest After cooking, allow your meat to rest, wrapped, for at least 30 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful. By following these expert tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of barbecue, delighting your guests with tender, flavorful creations every time. Head over to the shop and get a delicious sauce or rub for your next cookout!

2025 BBQ Trends

By Darren Jones • February 6, 2025
What’s Hot and How J-Boogie’s is Leading the Flavor Revolution
Grilling BBQ food on the grill for J-Boogie’s blog about tradition and innovation in BBQ.

Bringing Tradition and Innovation to the BBQ

September 30, 2024
How J-Boogie’s Flavors Are Shaking Up the Grill Game
Grilled corn on the cob, charred to perfection, served as a BBQ side dish by J-Boogie’s Tasty Creations.

Fall Grilling Essentials: Perfecting BBQ for Tailgate Season

September 30, 2024
The air is crisp, football season is in full swing, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time for some serious fall grilling! Whether you’re tailgating at the big game or firing up the grill in your backyard, fall is the perfect season to dive into the BBQ flavors that warm the soul. Here’s your ultimate guide to mastering fall grilling with J-Boogie’s Tasty Creations—complete with tips, tricks, and recipes to make your tailgate the talk of the season. Why Fall is the Best Time to Grill: While summer gets all the credit for BBQ, I’d argue that fall grilling is where it’s really at. The cooler weather means you can stand by the grill without breaking a sweat, and hearty, flavorful dishes feel right at home as the temperatures drop. Plus, with football games happening every weekend, grilling has become a fall tradition for many of us. Grilling Tips for the Cooler Months: 1. Master the Slow Cook Fall is the season for those long, slow cooks that make BBQ magical. Whether you’re smoking a brisket or slow-cooking pulled pork, now’s the time to break out J-Boogie’s Ultimate Gourmet Rub. Slow cooking allows the flavors to really soak in, giving your meat that tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection that BBQ dreams are made of. 2. Embrace the Heartier Cuts of Meat Fall calls for bold, hearty meals. Think brisket, pork shoulder, and ribs—these cuts were made for fall grilling. Using J-Boogie’s Ultimate Gourmet BBQ Sauce, you can slather on that smoky-sweet goodness, letting the meat soak it up as it cooks. The result? BBQ that’ll warm your heart and soul. 3. Don’t Forget the Sides While the meat is the star of the show, don’t skimp on the sides. For fall, I love pairing my BBQ with roasted veggies (tossed in J-Boogie’s Soul Seasoning), grilled corn, and baked mac and cheese. Add a little BBQ sauce drizzle on top of your sides for an extra kick of flavor. 4. Pork Skins: The Ultimate Tailgate Snack No tailgate is complete without some snacking, and J-Boogie’s Hot & Spicy Pork Skins are the perfect crowd-pleaser. Crunchy, bold, and packing just the right amount of heat, these pork skins are perfect for munching on during the game. Serve them up solo or get creative by using them as a crunchy topping for chili or nachos. Fall BBQ Recipes to Try: 1. Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Sandwiches This one’s a tailgate classic. Coat your pork shoulder in J-Boogie’s Ultimate Gourmet Rub and slow cook it until it’s fall-apart tender. Pile the pork high on a bun, drizzle with Ultimate Gourmet BBQ Sauce, and top with coleslaw for a sandwich that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. 2. Lemon Pepper Wings For something a little different, try grilling up some wings using J-Boogie’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning. The citrusy zest and bold pepper flavor pair perfectly with fall’s crisp weather. Serve with a side of ranch, and you’ve got a game-day winner. 3. BBQ Brisket If you’ve got the time and patience, a smoked brisket is the ultimate fall BBQ centerpiece. Rub it down with J-Boogie’s Ultimate Gourmet Rub, let it smoke low and slow for hours, and baste with BBQ sauce in the final stretch for a melt-in-your-mouth BBQ experience. There’s nothing quite like fall grilling, and with the right techniques and flavors, you can take your tailgate to the next level. Whether you’re cooking up wings for the game or slow-cooking brisket for a family gathering, J-Boogie’s Tasty Creations has everything you need to make it a hit. So, fire up that grill, grab your favorite sauce or rub, and get ready to serve up some serious fall flavor.
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