Revolution Barbecue, a Colorado-based small business, has achieved national recognition by winning first place in the Beef Rub category of the 2025 Barbecue News Magazine Rubs of Honor competition for its signature Texas Beef BBQ Rub. This victory matters because it demonstrates how small-batch, woman-owned businesses can compete and excel against larger commercial brands in the highly competitive barbecue industry, potentially shifting consumer preferences toward artisanal, locally-produced seasonings.
The Rubs of Honor contest, hosted by Barbecue News Magazine, represents one of the most respected competitions in the barbecue world, evaluating rubs and seasonings from across the United States. Revolution Barbecue's winning entry impressed judges with its bold Texas-style flavor profile, handcrafted quality, and commitment to all-natural ingredients. This recognition validates the growing consumer demand for transparently sourced, small-batch products over mass-produced alternatives.
Glenn Connaughton, Co-Founder and Chief BBQ Officer of Revolution Barbecue, described the moment of recognition as surreal. The company's Texas Beef BBQ Rub builds on the classic salt-and-pepper foundation traditional to Texas barbecue, incorporating additional layers of garlic, onion, paprika, and sweet peppers to create what judges recognized as a clean yet complex flavor profile ideal for brisket, steak, and burgers.
Founded by Glenn and Vida Connaughton, Revolution Barbecue operates as a Colorado Proud, woman-owned enterprise that emphasizes authentic barbecue traditions, family values, and community connection. The company produces a full line of all-natural BBQ rubs, brines, and smoked salts available through their website at https://RevolutionBBQ.com, on Amazon, and through retail partners nationwide.
This award carries significant implications for both consumers and the broader food industry. For home cooks and barbecue enthusiasts, it signals that small businesses can produce rubs that outperform national brands in blind taste tests, offering superior flavor through careful ingredient selection and craftsmanship. For the food industry, it highlights the continuing trend toward supporting local, woman-owned businesses and the growing consumer preference for products with transparent sourcing and artisanal production methods.
Vida Connaughton, Co-Founder and CEO, emphasized that the recognition validates the extensive effort and dedication the company invests in every batch of their products. As barbecue culture continues to evolve nationwide, awards like the Rubs of Honor help guide consumers toward quality products while supporting small businesses that contribute to local economies and culinary innovation.
