Who doesn’t love a good BBQ? This article will look at fun BBQ facts you probably didn’t know about. Did you know that Stonehenge builders loved to BBQ? Or that cowboys discovered the secret to making brisket taste amazing? We’ll also explore the origins of McDonald’s famous fast-food chain and the surprising link between Henry Ford and outdoor grilling.
These stories, from world records to hidden treasures, show how much people love their BBQs. So sit back, grab a cold drink, and get ready to learn some fascinating facts about one of America’s favorite pastimes. Let’s dive into some fun BBQ facts!
Fun Facts about BBQ and Grilling
1. From Barbeque to Burgers – The Rise of McDonald’s Famous Restaurants
Did you know that McDonald’s, the world’s largest chain of fast food restaurants, actually started out as a barbecue restaurant? In 1940, brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald opened a barbecue restaurant in San Bernardino, California, called “McDonald’s Famous Barbeque.” They served over forty barbequed items but eventually streamlined their menu to focus on their most popular things, including hamburgers and fries.
2. Stonehenge Builders Loved BBQ
Who knew that the builders of Stonehenge were also BBQ enthusiasts? A recent study on animal remains and pottery fragments found near the famous monument revealed that these ancient people might have been feasting on barbecued beef and pork. The remains discovered at the Durrington Walls settlement, located close to Stonehenge, showed very few plant remains, indicating that these builders had a taste for meat.
It’s fascinating that even thousands of years ago, people were firing up the grill and enjoying a good BBQ. While we may have advanced in our cooking techniques and technology since then, it’s clear that the love for grilled meat has remained a constant throughout human history. Who knows, maybe the next time you’re flipping burgers on your grill, you’re continuing an age-old tradition started by the builders of Stonehenge.
3. Cowboys Discover Brisket Delight
It turns out that cowboys were the original brisket lovers. Back in the late-1800s, cattle barons held all the power regarding beef and kept the best cuts for themselves. This left the cowboys with a less desirable piece of meat – the briske. But instead of letting it go to waste, these resourceful cowboys discovered that slow-cooking the brisket over low heat resulted in tender and delicious meat. And so, the tradition of Texas-style BBQ was born.
Today, brisket is a staple at any BBQ joint worth its salt, with people traveling far and wide to get a taste of this mouth-watering dish. It shows that the best culinary discoveries sometimes come from making the most out of what you have.
4. 20-Year-Old McJordan Sauce Sells for $10K
Can you believe that a 20-year-old container of McDonald’s barbecue sauce sold for $10,000? It’s true! The McJordan sauce, which was used on a limited edition burger named after basketball legend Michael Jordan, was sold by a former McDonald’s franchise owner in North Dakota to a buyer in Chicago.
The McJordan burger was only available for a short period of time in the 1990s, during the height of Jordan’s basketball career with the Chicago Bulls. It’s amazing to think that a promotional item like this could be worth so much money decades later. Who knows, maybe the next time you clean out your pantry, you might find a hidden treasure worth a small fortune.
5. Record-Breaking 80-Hour Barbecue Marathon
Now that’s what we call dedication! Jan Greeff, a BBQ enthusiast from the USA and South Africa, set a new world record for the longest barbecue marathon, which lasted a whopping 80 hours. The event occurred in Columbus, Georgia, and was organized to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
During the three-day marathon, Jan cooked an impressive amount of food. He made 1000 hot dogs, 200 pieces of corn, 104 pieces of chicken, 558 burgers, and 526 boerewors, a South African sausage. That’s a lot of food!
Jan’s record-breaking achievement is a testament to the passion and commitment that BBQ enthusiasts have for their craft. Becoming a great pitmaster takes a lot of hard work, patience, and skill, and Jan’s accomplishment is truly inspiring.
6. The Longest Barbecue Ever
When it comes to barbecue, there’s no denying that some people take it to the next level. In 2014, the people of Bayambang, Philippines, created the longest barbecue in history. The event was part of the Malangsi Fish-tival, which aimed to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Bayambang city.
The barbecue was an impressive 8,000 meters long, made up of 8,000 grills connected to each other, each measuring 1 meter in length, 58 centimeters in height, and 21 centimeters in width. Can you imagine how long that must have taken to set up? The team used a whopping 50,000 kilograms of fish, 2,000 kilograms of salt, 480 blocks of ice, and 6,000 bags of charcoal.
It’s no wonder that 8,000 people were involved in this epic feat! While most of us may not have the resources to set a world record for barbecue, it’s still a fun reminder that cooking outdoors can bring people together for a unique and unforgettable experience.
7. Henry Ford’s Charcoal Picnic Kits – A Slice of American History
Who knew that the inventor of the Model T was also responsible for popularizing the American pastime of outdoor grilling? By the mid-1930s, Henry Ford was already capitalizing on the link between motoring and outdoor adventure by marketing “Picnic Kits” containing charcoal and portable grills at Ford dealerships.
These kits encouraged people to hit the road and enjoy a “modern picnic” complete with sizzling meats and toasty sandwiches. It’s easy to see how this idea caught on. There’s something undeniably appealing about enjoying a meal outdoors, whether in a park, at the beach, or in your backyard. So the next time you fire up the grill, think of Henry Ford and his vision for the perfect American picnic.
8. George Stephen’s Creative Invention – The Modern BBQ Grill
George Stephen, a welder at Weber Brothers Metal Works in Illinois, invented the first modern BBQ grill. Stephen was frustrated with the flat, open grills that were available at the time, so he decided to create a more efficient and effective grill.
He cut a metal buoy in half to make a dome-shaped grill, welded three steel legs onto it, and used the top half of the buoy as a lid. The result was a grill that cooked food more evenly and retained heat better than previous models.
9. The Greatest BBQ Eater of All Time
There are some impressive eaters out there, but according to Major League Eating, Joey Chestnut takes the cake (or rather, the hot dogs). In 2007, he ate an incredible 45 pulled pork sandwiches in just 10 minutes! That alone is a feat that most of us could never dream of achieving.
But Chestnut didn’t stop there. In 2021, he broke his own world record by devouring a whopping 76 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes. Watching professional eaters like Chestnut can be a spectacle that leaves us feeling both amazed and a little queasy.
10. The Campaign for Real Barbecue – Fighting for Authenticity
Barbecue is a beloved American tradition, but in recent years, some have questioned whether certain cooking methods still qualify as “real” barbecue. That’s where Dan Levine and John Shelton Reed come in – they formed The Campaign for Real Barbecue to defend the art of 100% wood-cooked BBQ against what they call “faux ‘cue” from hybrid cookers that use gas or electricity.
For these barbecue purists, there’s simply no substitute for the rich, smoky flavor of cooking with wood alone. While not everyone may agree with their stance, it’s a reminder that food can be deeply tied to tradition and identity. So next time you enjoy a barbecue plate, consider the care and expertise that went into creating it – and whether it passes the test for “real” barbecue.
11. Smokin’ Hot – The BBQ Capital Of The World
If you’re a fan of finger-lickin’ good BBQ, then you’ll definitely want to make a pilgrimage to Lexington, North Carolina, aka “The Barbecue Capital of The World.”
Every October, this charming southern town comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of its annual BBQ festival, which attracts over 200,000 visitors from around the globe. With more than 15,000 pounds of mouthwatering meat on offer, this festival is a meat lover’s dream come true.
From pulled pork to ribs to brisket, there’s no shortage of delicious BBQ to try. So grab a napkin, dig in, and savor the smoky goodness of Lexington-style BBQ.
12. South Carolina’s Unique BBQ Sauces
Regarding barbecue, every state has its own unique twist on this classic dish, but South Carolina really stands out. What makes it so special? Well, for starters, it’s the only state with four distinct, native barbecue sauces. Each sauce is uniquely different and reflects the state’s diverse cultural influences.
From the tangy mustard sauce of the Midlands to the peppery vinegar sauce of the Pee Dee region, South Carolina’s barbecue sauces are a point of pride for locals and a must-try for visitors. Whether you prefer tangy, spicy, or sweet, South Carolina’s barbecue sauces have covered you.
14. Americans Love To Grill
Americans sure love to fire up the grill during the summer months! According to a recent survey, almost two-thirds (64%) of U.S. adults own a grill or a smoker. Whether for burgers and hot dogs on the weekend or a full-on smoked brisket for dinner, grilling is a great way to enjoy time with family and friends.
Grills come in all shapes and sizes, from small charcoal grills to massive gas-powered behemoths. No matter the size, no summer cookout would be complete without one.
15. Grilling Out on the Fourth of July? 68% of Americans Say Yes
Unsurprisingly, the Fourth of July is America’s most popular grilling day, with 68% of grill owners planning to cook out on this patriotic holiday. But Memorial Day and Labor Day tie for second place, with 56% of grill owners planning to cook out on each of these days.
Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are popular grilling days, with 42% and 29% of grill owners planning to cook out on these holidays, respectively.
16. Grilling Delicious Food: 68% of Grill Owners Do It For the Flavor
So, why do people love to grill? According to the survey above, 68% of grill owners do it for the delicious flavor it imparts to the food. Grilling allows food to develop a smoky, charred flavor that other cooking methods can’t replicate.
Other reasons people grill include lifestyle (45%), convenience (33%), entertainment (32%), and hobby (19%). Some people even consider grilling a therapeutic activity that allows them to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning these fun facts about BBQ and grilling. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a BBQ beginner, there’s always something new to discover about this delicious and beloved cooking tradition.
So next time you fire up the grill, impress your friends with your newfound knowledge about the history and culture of BBQ.
I’m Jackson. I’ve been experimenting with different recipes and techniques to make the perfect plate of smoked or grilled meat for many years. I started this blog to share my experience with others who love grilling and smoking just as much as I do. Here you’ll find recipes, tips, tricks, and everything you need to know about making mouth-watering grilled or smoked dishes.