The Brand & The Legend Behind It
Our Story
Original. Authentic. Since 1992.
Billy Twang® was founded by Joseph (“J.”) Stewart Martin, Jr., the quintessential southern gentlemen and fire-cook. The company started in earnest in 1992, based in Houston, Texas —For the love of fire-cookin’.
The story begins deep in the heart of West Texas. A youthful fascination with fire fueled J.'s passionate interest in fire-cookin’; been building fires and cookin’ meat to the delight of family and friends for a bunch of years.
Billy Twang? Well, a young man born and raised in Texas cannot help but speak with a lil’ twang; thus affectionately known as a "Twang Billy". One thing led to another and the nickname stuck—"Billy Twang”.
The love of fire-cookin’ got Billy Twang thinking about flavors, tools, and choice of fuel. In 1992, Billy Twang got into lump mesquite charcoal business. Those many years of backyard barbeques eventfully led to the creation of Billy’s own barbeque tools, accessories, and of course, dry rubs. All of Billy’s rubs were homemade in small batches for family, friends, and neighbors, but didn’t take long before that small circle grew. "Love at first bite", says Billy.
A Cult Following: Premium Dry Rubs and Jerky
Today, 30 years later, Billy Twang® is a nationally-distributed purveyor of custom Texas dry rubs and beef jerky, created deep in the heart of West Texas. Very proud Texas roots, from humble beginnings in a little kitchen in Houston, Texas to a cult following of fans and followers across the USA.
Helping countless good folks learn the art and craft of great barbeque, Billy believes fire-cookin’ is a true and worthy endeavor. Everything we do is born out of a love for food, family, and a tradition that reminds us of home. Since 1996, we’ve been on a mission to share the same authentic West Texas dry rubs and jerky to customers all across the USA.
Billy’s rubs and jerkies are made not just for the serious barbeque pit master, but for anyone with an interest in eating good. Welcome to adventurous West Texas flavors.
