A bit about Mack Byrd:
Ronald Mack Byrd was born on Sunday, September 9, 1956, in Hartford, Alabama.
He was raised on a farm + lived in Slocomb, Alabama his entire life. He was the youngest son out of 5 boys and 4 girls. he was 1 of 3 with red hair. He loved his momma's cooking and eating olives straight out of the jar.
His favorite colors were orange and blue. He loved the Auburn Tigers and Slocomb Redtops.
He was a comedian, though not professionally. He played pranks on his siblings, daughters, nephews, friends - really, anyone he could. This never ended. He loved to laugh and would do damn near anything to accomplish that goal.
If he looked at you, winked, and said “hey, watch this”, you could rest assured that a prank or joke at someone else’s expense would soon follow.
Mack had 2 daughters, Mollie and Mary-Morgan. He was a wonderful father. (more on that later)
He worked for Michelin in Midland City, Alabama for 25 years before retiring.
He spent his retired years with family and friends, singing karaoke, going to Talladega + Las Vegas to watch PBR, spear-heading fundraisers for those in need in his community.
In July 2021, Mack started his BBQ sauce business. He had his sauce professionally bottled in Chancellor, Alabama + made it available for purchase in locally-owned, small businesses by personally promoting it at most locations. He enjoyed meeting everyone who stopped by + offering samples of his sauce.
In February 2022, Mack Byrd passed away. He lived life on his own terms, and you were just along for the ride. The joy and laughter and love he exuded will forever live with those of us who were blessed to know him.
pictured above: the small farmhouse where Mack made his first batch of bbq sauce, the original bottles of homemade bbq sauce, Mack smoking some meat for a fundraiser, and Mack’s BBQ Sauce on some pulled pork.
Mack fell in love with smoking meat many years ago. He spear-headed fundraisers for his community which involved smoking pork loins and—on occasion—ribs for folks to buy, while proceeds went to the individual or family in need.
Often times, he chose not to designate a portion of the proceeds to cover the cost of the meat; he personally covered the cost instead.
He began making barbecue sauce to gift to family and friends. When word spread about how incredible it was, he decided to bottle it to sell at the fundraisers + cooking competitions he competed in. More often than not, he sold out.
The combination of impeccably smoked meat, signature dry rub, and barbecue sauce were perfection. Folks couldn’t get enough!
Where it all started:
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After our daddy passed away, we embraced the opportunity to carefully and thoughtfully elevate the brand to ensure he was represented unreservedly + his spirit reflected unconditionally.
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Yes. There have been no changes to Mack’s recipe + there will never be any changes to Mack’s recipe.
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Mack wanted to make a spicy version, and we intend to see that vision through. We’re thinking 2025 will be a spicy year, for sure!