How it all began!


The origin of Big Daddy's BBQ Sauce & Spices products is as colorful as their distinctive logo. Big Daddy's originated during the oil boom days in Oklahoma, when Dan Lloyd, Sr. would cook a celebration meal whenever he brought in a well - more often than not, it was a well site in the middle of a cow pasture! His homemade barbecue sauce, (now the Big Daddy's BBQ Sauce), was in big demand for its great flavor.

A chance meeting with an old friend, Jim Leach, (who was making his own brand of Big Daddy's barbecue sauces and spices), led both Dan, Sr. and Jim to roll the two recipes together into one company and incorporated Big Daddy's BBQ Sauce and Spices, Co.
Big Daddy's direction as a company was formulated after Dan Lloyd, Sr. and Dan, Jr. attended a New Year's Eve party in the home of Dennis Caire, (an executive for the Fleming Corporation). Dennis used the barbecue sauce, marinade and spice while cooking for the party and said they were the best he had ever tasted and told Dan, Sr. and Dan, Jr. they should take it to the supermarket level.

Through Harry Caire, (of Metarie, Louisiana), Dan, Sr. commissioned Pepper Source, Inc. in Van Buren, Arkansas to produce the first products, however, Big Daddy's quickly outgrew this company's capabilities, so Dan, Sr. enlisted the expert help of friend and chemist, John Sheets, (who had some 38 years of experience in the food industry), to create a new and better product formula and go into mass production.

The products made their public debut at a NASCAR event over two years ago in Homestead, Florida. With the help of local racetrack manager, Al Garcia, the product was served and enjoyed by over 3,000 people. After this successful inaugural event, President, Dan Lloyd, Jr. and broker, Rick Smith, rolled out Big Daddy’s products into the Southwest market covering Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Oklahoma. Then in February 2000, Dan Lloyd, Jr. teamed up with Dale Loosier, President of Gourmet Award Foods (a division of Tree of Life) to successfully launch Big Daddy's products throughout all the Wal-Mart Supercenters and Safeway stores across America as well as other regional and national grocery store chains.

Big Daddy's has continued to have a strong affiliation with auto racing by sponsoring in a variety of venues. The company evolved to become one of the largest sponsorship companies, in such racing events as IRL (Indy Racing League); NHRA (National Hot Rod Association); IHRA (International Hot Rod Association); NASCAR Winston Cup, Busch, Craftsman Trucks, Slim-Jim All Pro, Winston West, Legend and Bandolero; USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series; World of Outlaws Sprint Cars; SARA Late Model Series; Quarter Midget Sprints; Quarter Midgets and American Motorcycle Association (Pace Superbike Classics).

In a meeting with A. G. Meyer, General Manager of the Lazy-E Arena, (located in Guthrie, Oklahoma), Big Daddy's was offered the opportunity of sponsorship in its world renowned event, "Bullnanza". Since that time, the company continues to sponsor Bullnanza, as well as Professional Bull Riders, Professional Rodeo Cowboys and special events such as the 4-H Rodeos, held throughout New Mexico. Other sponsorships include, a B.A.S.S. (Bass Angler Sportsman Society) Touring Pro, Zach Bandy; a touring cooking team "Lil' Pit of Heaven", Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and a 4th of July Celebration in the Park featuring a concert given by Katrina Elam, (a young, up-and-coming Oklahoma Country Singer/Entertainer).

The company has maintained its core management team, with very little overhead, except for the sponsorships. Currently, the products include Big Daddy's BBQ Sauces - original and spicy; Meat Marinade, Gourmet Seasoning and in development, Big Daddy's Habanero Mustard, Pre-cooked Pork Ribs, Ribblets and Full Briskets.

Big Daddy's BBQ Sauce & Spices, Co. would like to take this opportunity to wish all the best to its patrons, teams, sponsorees and everyone associated with the Big Daddy's family.

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