By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
What started at a BBQ competition a few years ago has blossomed into a thriving home business for Knoxville resident Jacob Lubbers. Full Boar BBQ started in 2013 in Lubbers’ home state of Indiana after he and his friends entered a BBQ competition they had been going to for years.
“First, we formed our own team. With five members, we assigned each person one of four meat categories to practice and take charge of.”
“We showed up at the competitions with one old propane smoker and a kettle grill, not expecting much. When the first category was announced guess what? We won. We took first place in chicken and grabbed second place in pulled pork. We were absolutely hooked,” he said.
“What started as a few high school buddies turned out to be a brand name that is trusted everywhere it is known,” Lubbers said.
Lubbers moved to Knoxville in 2019 after living in Nashville for five years. After competing in BBQ competitions all over the Midwest and South the effort turned into a business in July of last year. The business, ran 100% by Lubbers out of his garage, sometimes surprises his neighbors. They wonder what a truck is doing in a neighborhood until it backs up to Lubbers’ driveway, unloading pallets of spices and sauce. They are often taunted by the smells from various smokers as Lubbers prepares food for events or tests his custom recipes for his developing recipe blog.
“We’ve gotten lots of local support and the community is always great about supporting all things local,” he said.
Most Full Boar products can be found at several local businesses including Naturally a Deal Market, Pratt’s Country Store, Butler and Bailey Market, Cash and Carry Wholesale, and most local Ace Hardwares. Visit the website’s store locator tool to find a retailer near you.
You can find Full Boar information and products on Facebook, Instagram @Fullboarbbq or at fullboarbbqproducts.com. On the website you’ll also find a custom recipe blog and all the products that are available to be shipped to you. The Facebook page has updates, recipes, events, and a posting of contests. On @fullboardbbqproducts on Instagram you have your chance to be featured by DMing photos of your food creations with your Full Boar BBQ Rubs and Sauces.
You may also contact Jacob Lubbers by emailing info@fullboarbbqproducts.com.
