Every region tells its own story
Texas heat, the Carolinas' vinegar and mustard, Alabama white, Memphis sweet each bottle is a distinct American tradition, so your table can travel the country one pour at a time.
Our Story
The story begins in
2010
Red State BBQ opened its doors in Lexington, Kentucky in 2010 with one simple goal: bring together the best regional barbecue traditions from across America under one roof. Locally owned by the CEO David Carroll, the team has worked every day to earn its reputation one guest at a time built on genuine hospitality, quality ingredients, and respect for the barbecue traditions passed down through generations.
Our mission
Our mission is to bring America's great barbecue traditions to backyards, kitchens, and dinner tables across the country through authentic sauces inspired by the regional flavors that made barbecue an American institution.
Our vision
To become America's most trusted regional barbecue sauce company by honoring the traditions of great barbecue, creating products we're proud to serve in our own restaurant, and helping people everywhere make memorable meals with family and friends.
how the bottles happened
The Red State BBQ Sauce Company grew from a simple idea: customers kept asking to take the flavors home with them. What started as a few signature sauces became a collection inspired by barbecue traditions from across America every recipe born in the restaurant kitchen, tested on real barbecue, and refined through years of feedback before it was ever bottled.
why we made regional sauces?
Born in a restaurant, not a test kitchen
These weren't developed by a corporation. Every recipe started in our Lexington kitchen and was served to real guests before it was ever bottled.
Earned, not manufactured
Each sauce earned its place through years of customer feedback. If it doesn't earn a spot at the restaurant, it doesn't earn a bottle.
our awards
Red State BBQ is Lexington, KY’s legendary hidden gem the only mobile, multi‑award‑winning roadside BBQ joint in town. With 15+ years of experience,
Best BBQ Restaurant in America
The New York Post "The 28 Best BBQ Restaurants in America," July 2017
Best BBQ in Kentucky
Kentucky Living Magazine - 2017, 2019 & 2022
Featured nationally
Southern Living (October 2015) and The Detroit News (July 2016)
every sauce has a story
Apple bourbon
It started with Jenny Evans at Evans Orchard, who kept asking for an apple sauce for pork until the owner finally gave in. The blend of apple, Kentucky bourbon, maple, and hickory smoke turned out better than expected and it's been a customer favorite ever since.
Taproom Fire
Born after the Georgetown taproom burned down: a blend of six sauces spiked with Country Boy "Nacho Bait" beer and an extra hit of habanero. A special edition that came out of the ashes.
and so on...
