Our Story

A Century Old Sauce

For years, the century-old sauce was made only for friends and family.

Then, one day back in the mid‑1990s, Bob and Jacqui wanted to raise money to help put a roof on a church in need. It was during that time that Jacqui felt the Lord’s leading to make a sauce—and to “keep it simple.”

At the time, producing the sauce in Michigan proved too complicated, so the decision was made to manufacture it in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. That choice marked the beginning of Uncle Bob’s Smoky Mountain Premium Sauce.

Unfortunately, the process of getting the company fully up and running took longer than expected, and the church roof had already been completed before Uncle Bob’s was able to contribute. Even so, the intention to give back was firmly set. That commitment to helping others became the heart of Uncle Bob’s—and the driving force behind everything that followed.

As an over-the-road truck driver, Bob had a unique opportunity to sell the sauce across the country. He marketed it directly from the cab of his truck along his routes, and when he was home, he continued selling at flea markets and farmers markets.

After a year or so, the logistics of running a company out of state while maintaining a full-time job became too arduous, and the difficult decision was made to discontinue operations. Even so, requests for the sauce continued to pour in over the years.

In 2001, after Bob had retired and relocated to East Tawas, Michigan, he and Jacqui decided it was time to make the sauce once again. They contacted the East Tawas Community Center and, after reaching an agreement, began producing the sauce locally.

They introduced a mild variety and began selling the two sauces under a new label with the slogan “Enjoy the Goodness.” The sauces were featured at arts and crafts shows, street fairs, festivals, and trade shows such as Shipshewana. For the first time, they also expanded into a few local retail stores.

In addition, Bob and Jacqui sold the sauce directly from their home along US‑23—an experience many people still remember to this day.

In 2007, Bob’s eldest son—also a truck driver—was laid off during the Michigan recession. During that time, he helped expand Uncle Bob’s wholesale presence throughout Michigan, including sales to several restaurants. Uncle Bob’s also gained additional exposure by appearing at more trade shows and festivals across the state.

In 2009, Bob and Jacqui asked their son Bob to take over the company and continue growing it, reminding him to “keep it simple.” Bob accepted the responsibility on the condition that the business remain a family affair. Shortly thereafter, the business was relocated to Frankenmuth following Jacqui’s passing to her heavenly home after a brief battle with cancer.

A few months later, Bob was contacted by his former employer with a job opportunity—the only drawback being that the position was located across the state in Grand Rapids. Bob chose to relocate during the week, returning home to his family and Uncle Bob’s every weekend. For the next five years, he made the long commute, working his full-time job during the week and running Uncle Bob’s on the weekends.

During that time, Bob recognized the opportunity to expand Uncle Bob’s presence on the west side of the state. He spent early mornings before work seeking out new retail locations, including meat markets, cheese houses, wineries, and restaurants. Weekends were devoted to handcrafting more sauce to meet growing demand and delivering products throughout the rest of Michigan.

On August 14, 2012, Uncle Bob’s received a very special gift, and what they consider their highest honor. Being a 4 generation Vet family, it was not a gesture taken lightly, when they were presented with the flag of the United States of America which had been flown over Forward Operating Base Kunduz in Kunduz Province, Afghanistan. Uncle Bob, who had been in contact with the battalion, had sent the troops some sauce – which had been dubbed “liquid gold,” as a gesture of gratitude for all they sacrifice for our many freedoms. Uncle Bob’s loves our military men and women.

In 2014 Uncle Bob’s happily rebranded themselves, unveiling a new and improved, 3rd generation label and bottle (new look, same great sauces!) as well as expanding their line to include the first (Cajun flavored) dry rub. Nervous that the company was too small to properly market the upgrade but large enough to be affected, it was with the upmost gratitude they received the public’s enthusiastic response. The new look brought an influx of sales as well as an increase in restaurant and store locations. October of 2014 also marked another blessing, when Bob was able to relocate his job closer to home.

In 2015 Uncle Bob’s was approached by a national account. It took great faith, but the decision was made to accept the deal and for Bob to leave his employment to pursue it. In June of 2016 the Truck Stops of America (TA) and Iron Skillet restaurants rolled out their Smok’n BBQ Bonanza menu in promotion of summer which featured 6 full entrees made with Uncle Bob’s Smoky Mountain Premium Sauce.

As Uncle Bob’s expands, so do the opportunities for giving back to our soldiers, veterans and community both locally and around the world, keeping true to the heart of founders Bob and Jacqui Murphy.