The Art of
Barbecue
Est. 1852
When it comes to good BBQ, authenticity is everything!
Old Arthur’s The Flavor of Legacy.
From a recipe born in slavery and preserved through six generations, Old Arthur’s Barbecue Sauce delivers the depth, resilience, and authentic flavor only true history can create.
Arthur Watts, born into slavery near Kansas City in 1837, began crafting these recipes as a teenager—refining them over a lifetime that spanned more than a century.
The result is bold, layered flavor shaped by one pitmaster’s relentless dedication and perfected over generations.
Taste Old Arthur’s—and experience barbecue the way it was meant to be.
Order Now
Our Legacy
Arthur’s introduction to open pit barbecuing began around the age of 6 as a slave. In his teens he began crafting unique recipes, which he later carried with him out of bondage. As a free man he meticulously refined these recipes until his death at 108 years. We believe that no single human being has ever put as much concentrated effort into refining a recipe, and we are proud to be able to share this vital piece of history for your pleasure.
Our Mission
Our mission is to share the award-winning barbecue experience, unique to the legacy of flavors guarded by the family and handed down by generations over 160 years. Recipes which Arthur Watts first developed as a slave, brought out of bondage, and unrelentingly refined until his death at 108 years.
