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Gas in the car? Playlist all queued up? Are you hungry? Let’s hope so, because we’re heading out on a five-state road trip to find the best barbecue traditions in America. No matter what tradition we’re exploring, T. Marzetti Foodservice has Bold Blends™ to make the BBQ memorable.

In a state as big as Texas, it’s no surprise that there are many BBQ traditions happening all over the place. The central region is beef country, with brisket, ribs and clod (cow shoulders) being the most popular cuts, usually cooked over pecan or oak wood. Sauce comes on the side, accompanied by pickles, raw onions and no-frills carbs like saltine crackers or slices of white sandwich bread. One of central Texas’ premier purveyors is Louis Mueller Barbecue, which calls itself a “cathedral of smoke” and claims that it has the best BBQ in Texas (“and that means the world,” they add).

If you head east, you’re more likely to find ribs and pork added to the all-brisket menu that dominates the central region. In East Texas, BBQ is often cooked over hickory wood until it’s falling-apart tender. Some of the east region’s most popular restaurants include Tyler’s Pat Gee’s, which is run by the second and third generation members of the same family. (Note: The BBQ is great, but so is the potato salad.) Another legendary stop is Longview’s Carter’s Bar-B-Que, known for its ribs and turkey sandwiches.

Each pitmaster has his or her own approach, of course, and you’ll find plenty of regional dishes and homestyle traditions. Sauce can be a controversial subject in Texas, but when applied, it’s usually sweet and tomato-based (like T. Marzetti Bold Blends™ Sweet & Bold Barbecue Sauce).

T. Marzetti Tip

Looking for ways to spice up the BBQ on your menu? T. Marzetti Foodservice has Bold Blends™ for every taste. Choose from Western Barbecue Sauce, Mild Barbecue Sauce and Korean Barbecue Sauce, or try new Sweet & Bold Barbecue Sauce, made with tomato, vinegar, pineapple juice, onion and garlic for sweet, smoky and tangy flavor. Get any flavor in 4/1 gallons perfect for back-of-house, or increase ease with Sweet & Bold sauce in 72/2 oz. cups! Try a sample of our Bold Blends™ sauce.

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