Nothing brings people together quite like the mouthwatering aroma of BBQ wafting through the air. Seriously, if you don’t feel the urge to gather your friends and family around the grill when that smell hits, are you even living? This simple pleasure takes me back to the backyard and kitchen smells from my grandpa Neal, who cooked for us growing up. He was a butcher and owned a grocery store in Oklahoma.
Where the BBQ journey began!
It all started when a mentor suggested I find a hobby. I tried cycling and running, but let’s just say spandex is not for everyone! Then I remembered a funny meme about how men hit 35 and either dive into WWII history or BBQ. Considering my dad was a history buff, I thought, “Why not BBQ?” Choosing barbecue turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. It created opportunities for me to travel, cook, demo grills and most importantly, meet people around the world.
Alongside my passion for BBQ, I’m a pastor, that helps my church start new church locations and new ministry initiatives. Over the years, I learned that I have an entrepreneurial spirit and gifting that drives me to create connections and build communities. This realization fueled my desire to merge my pastoral work with my love for barbecue, creating something that could bring joy to others.
Balancing the challenges of teaching myself BBQ and video editing while managing a full-time job and raising two incredible daughters with my awesome wife has been a rewarding learning curve. It has honed my time management skills, business acumen and taught me resilience and the importance of cherishing every moment.
As a pastor, I find great joy in serving my community, and I wanted to channel that passion into something fun that connected me with others. It all began with some simple posts showcasing my BBQ creations on social media. As friends and family shared their love for the recipes, the following grew. The excitement inspired the idea to create our own line of BBQ seasonings and sauces, allowing everyone to enjoy a taste of Bartlow’s BBQ right in their own backyard!
Turning neighbors into family, so no one eats alone
That’s when Bartlow’s BBQ was officially born — a family-owned, faith-based BBQ seasoning and sauce business inspired by Oklahoma’s rich heritage. Our mission is turning neighbors into family so no one eats alone, one seasoning & sauce at a time. Our vision is simple: to create the best seasonings and sauces in the BBQ belt, fostering community through great flavors.
Each seasoning and sauce is crafted with care, reflecting the rich traditions of the region. When folks experience our flavors, they don’t just get great products; they receive a warm welcome that feels like family. There’s nothing like Midwestern and Southern hospitality, right? It’s like a big ol’ hug for your taste buds!
Now, let’s talk about friendship. Research shows that many people struggle to make friends and often feel isolated. I’ve seen this firsthand and I wanted to change that. Sharing a love for grilling and outdoor cooking can help build those important connections. Think about it: what better way to bond than over a good meal? Whether it’s swapping stories or laughing over a grilling mishap, BBQ brings people together like nothing else.
Grilling season is officially here!
It’s time to fire up the grill and gather everyone for some good times. Here are my top five favorite summer grilling ideas that anyone can tackle:
- Oklahoma onion burger sliders: Juicy patties topped with flavorful onions
- Spatchcock chicken: A simple way to cook chicken evenly while keeping it juicy
- Jalapeno cheese ball dip: This spicy cheese ball dip is made with a blend of cream cheese and jalapeños, rolled in crunchy bacon and cracker pieces for an irresistible appetizer
- Grilled pound cake with homemade whipped cream: A delightful dessert that will impress your guests
- Grilled elote corn on the cob: Summer on a plate, topped with delicious ingredients.
At the end of the day, Bartlow’s BBQ is more than just a business; it’s a mission to create connections and celebrate life through great flavors. So as the summer season approaches, let’s let the grill be the centerpiece of our gatherings. From my backyard to yours: less hate, more love, good BBQ!
– Your neighborhood Pitmaster Pastor, Scott Bartlow
Looking for more bbq & grilling recipe ideas? Bartlow just recently released a cookbook! Meat, Fire & Friends provides fun and easy recipes that are perfect for tailgate parties, backyard barbecues, church gatherings or any outdoor gathering.
