If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your backyard barbecue skills to the next level, you’re in for a treat. I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Todd Johns, the mastermind behind Plowboys BBQ, and let me tell you, this man knows his stuff. From competition wins to successful restaurants and a line of mouthwatering rubs, Todd’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in the world of barbecue.

The Journey from Backyard to Competition

Todd’s barbecue adventure began like many of ours – in the backyard with friends and family. But in 2001, he and his brother-in-law decided to take things up a notch by entering the world of competitive barbecue. Now, if you think winning comes easy, think again. Todd shared a humbling truth:

“We thought we were geniuses… Little did we know it would take us another seven years to win a contest.”

This just goes to show that even the pros had to start somewhere. It’s a reminder that patience and persistence are key ingredients in the recipe for barbecue success.

The Birth of a Barbecue Empire

You might know Plowboys for their famous Yardbird Rub, but did you know it was born out of a barbecue class? That’s right, the rub that’s now flying off shelves was initially created as part of a learning experience. Todd explained:

“We had to make a barbecue rub for each entry… And it was the recipe that is now today Yardbird Rub.”

What started as a class project eventually became the cornerstone of a barbecue empire. It’s a testament to the fact that you never know where your next great idea might come from.

Consistency is Key: From Competition to Commercial Success

One of the most valuable insights Todd shared was about the importance of consistency, whether you’re competing or running a restaurant. He emphasized:

“The fewer variables you have, the more you can focus on those variables.”

This approach led Todd to simplify his competition recipes and streamline his restaurant operations. It’s a principle we can all apply in our backyard cooking – focus on mastering a few key techniques rather than trying to do it all.

The Power of Simplification

Todd’s journey to simplification is a lesson for all of us. He shared how he went from an 11-step rib process to just 8 steps, without sacrificing quality. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less really is more.

Pairing Rubs and Woods: A Flavor Symphony

When it comes to pairing rubs and woods with different meats, Todd offered some golden advice:

• For beef and wild game: Go bold with flavors like black pepper, ancho, and chipotle. Pair with nut woods like hickory or pecan for a robust flavor profile.
• For pork and poultry: Opt for more subtle, citrusy rubs and fruit woods like apple or cherry for a sweeter, more delicate flavor.

The Heart of Barbecue: Passion and Community

Perhaps the most inspiring takeaway from my chat with Todd was his emphasis on the passion that drives barbecue enthusiasts. He beautifully summed it up:

“It’s not so much about impressing, it’s about pleasing… We want people to be pleased with what we’ve done, with what we’ve created, with what we’ve spent time and toiled over.”

This sentiment resonates deeply with me, and I’m sure with many of you as well. It’s a reminder that at its core, barbecue is about bringing joy to others through food.

Your Next Steps in Barbecue

For those of you looking to take your barbecue passion to the next level, Todd offered some practical advice:

Start with catering for friends and family events Experiment with selling leftover barbecue as prepared meals Focus on pleasing people and building a reputation before thinking about restaurants or product lines

Remember, every barbecue legend started somewhere. Your backyard could be the birthplace of the next great barbecue innovation.

As we wrap up, I’m left feeling inspired and energized about the world of barbecue. Todd’s journey from backyard enthusiast to barbecue mogul is a testament to what passion, persistence, and a great rub can achieve. So fire up those grills, my friends. Who knows where your barbecue journey might lead?

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