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Joe Threat, also known as Mister Joe Sprinkle, is no stranger to Kansas City’s legendary barbecue scene. His stepfather and brother worked at the world-famous Gates Bar-B-Q restaurant. Since Joe’s stepfather refused to reveal the Gates’ family secret, Joe set out to create his own masterful recipe. During his 26-year career in the Marine Corps, Joe never stopped working to perfect his technique. The ultimate seal of approval came from his mother. When she was 65, she told Joe his recipe had earned her respect, but it wasn’t until she was 80 that she conceded that it was as good as Kansas City’s most famous barbecue joints.
When I met Joe earlier this summer, he told me that his youngest daughter came up with the “Sprinkle DAT” slogan for his signature Ole Man’s Spice Rub & Seasoning. It captures the key difference between Joe’s rub and most Kansas City-style barbecue — instead of massaging the rub into meat, they just sprinkle it on. Joe hopes to keep the tradition alive as a family secret, eventually sharing his recipe with his daughters and, in time, with his nephew and grandchildren.
Author’s note: As a lifelong lover of barbecue, I’ll have to side with Joe’s mother and say that this is indeed some of the finest smoked meat I’ve ever tasted. Full endorsement!
Music by Count Basie & Oscar Peterson, courtesy of Concord Music Group and Weiser Music.
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39 comments
Sign in to add your ownHillary De Moineaux from VoleedeMoineaux says:
Oooooh thats cool!
262 days ago
CALINOLA says:
Such a great story of family and tradition behind a delicious product! Congrats!
262 days ago
Krystal and Jen from MoontowerVintage says:
Really enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing, Joe & Eric!
262 days ago
Debbie from thelittlemarket says:
what a great story!! thanks!!
262 days ago
Jason Seger from jasonmseger says:
Eric!!! Awesome story man. I'm heading down to the quarry now... ...and great call with the Basie in the intro! Keep on Joe, keep on.
262 days ago
Lana Manis from SimpleJoysPaperie says:
I love the fact that this is a family tradition. As a parent, I hope to pass on to my children (now in their 20s) the skills and knowledge that may parents taught me. And by the way --- the food looks delicious!
262 days ago
Som from SomsStudio says:
Yum...You made me hungry for some barbeque!!
262 days ago
CB DESIGN'S from CBDesignsPR says:
Thats great, that they follow tradition!!!
262 days ago
IKA PARIS from ikabags says:
Such a great story ! Thanks for sharing !
262 days ago
Bret Pendlebury from BretPendlebury says:
rubtastic!
262 days ago
iammie from iammie says:
I enjoyed the video!
262 days ago
messinabella from BandBEstate says:
Sounds delicious!
262 days ago
LivingVintage from LivingVintage says:
Great story!
262 days ago
Megan from MegansMenagerie says:
Loved the video!
262 days ago
Rose Waterrose from Waterrose says:
Oh yum....great story and video. Looks delicious!
262 days ago
amusebeads from amusebeads says:
Great story- Smoking is definitely a labor of love, and a good rub is so hard to find!
262 days ago
Emily Delfin from reflectionsjewelry says:
MmmmMmmmMmmmm!
262 days ago
Mother Lark from MotherLark says:
so cool!!!
262 days ago
Joe Tee from MisterJoeSprinkle says:
Thanks for all the support! I hope you get a chance to try some out!!!
262 days ago
Brooke Griffin from thenakedbird says:
i try so hard to be a vegetarian over and over again and it's delicious things like these that pull me back to the dark side!
262 days ago
seacucumbermama says:
I love ribs! Mine can't compete, but I am inspired. Great story and video. Bet it was hot!
262 days ago
Lynne from RiverSpring says:
Inspiring!! MMMMM, I am an admirer. from Lynne
262 days ago
lightbeams says:
Awesome video and great choice of music, Eric. Watching this makes me want to get some of Joe's rub and cook me up some brisket! Thanks for posting this.
262 days ago
David and Patricia from dellcovespices says:
This is what I love about food - it's not just about filling your belly. It's about telling stories about how and what inspired the filling of your belly.
262 days ago
Gina from ArigigiArt says:
Great story!
262 days ago
Joe Tee from MisterJoeSprinkle says:
Thank you again, and a special thanks to Eric for portraying our story in such a great way! @ Brooke Griffin... No worries! Our seasoning is delicious on roasted veggies and other vegetarian dishes as well!
261 days ago
Gigi Matthews from LondonHandspun says:
Gorgeous video - it's great to see some slices of Kansas City! And so great to see a product that is the result of a lifetime's work, and generations extending behind and into the future - lucky grandson! Thanks Joe, and the Etsy filmmakers!
261 days ago
Patti Trostle from PattiTrostle says:
Great story! Thank you!
261 days ago
Vic Coolidge from SepiaTree says:
That's a great American story. I live in rural central Wisconsin and the only time I get good BBQ is when I make it myself. Finding a good seasoning is the key.
261 days ago
ZoeFiore from ZoeFiore says:
Congrats on this feature!
261 days ago
Michelle from aPinkButterfly says:
Thank you for sending the link to me, ZoeFiore! Great video!
261 days ago
Tom's Grossmami from tomsgrossmami says:
Sound delicious!
261 days ago
DewyMorningVintage from DewyMorningVintage says:
As I was watching the video, I kept thinking how your neighbors must just salivate every time you cook your BBQ! It looks delicious!
261 days ago
Terri Jones from swevenly says:
Looks delicious! :] @Dewy, I was thinking the same thing. Cruel and unusual punishment! Unless you do a block party! haha
261 days ago
Muddy Heart from MuddyHeartPottery says:
Awesome story behind a great product!...I'm ready for some BBQ! ^_^ Congrats on the feature and much luck on your business!! ^_^ Meli
261 days ago
Jennifer Potter from HoldTheWire says:
must order some!
259 days ago
Evie Barrow from handmaderomance says:
great story and family tradition! congratulations on the video feature.
259 days ago
Karen Grasser says:
I'll carry the wood --- hehe! Joe ( and family ) ---- I just want to sit right down with y'all and have me some good BBQ;) Put a bit of Basie on and watch the world go by !! Thank you for your selfless service to our great country..... Thank you from me,my children, and my grandchildren .
169 days ago
Prayer Notes by Cynthia from PrayerNotes says:
Wow! I really loved this video. Real people...doing what they do best! I am definitely trying Joe's rub. Thank you, for bring this video to us, Eric. ~Cynthia
158 days ago