How a backyard obsession, hundreds of experiments, and one very loyal dog became the only rub you’ll ever need.
We're Art and Pam Harding. Back in 1998, we started experimenting with spice blends in our Clermont backyard, trying to crack the code on perfect ribs. What began as a weekend hobby quickly became an obsession.
Every cookout was an experiment. Every rack of ribs was a chance to tweak the formula. Our neighbors didn't mind—they got to taste-test everything.
After years of trial and error—adjusting the sweetness, balancing the heat, perfecting that smoky depth—we finally landed on a formula that made everyone stop mid-bite and ask: "What's on these ribs?"
That blend became Yellow Dog Rib Rub. The exact same recipe we use at home, now available in every pack we sell.
For years, friends and family kept asking us to share our secret. "You should sell this!" they'd say after every barbecue. We'd smile and hand them another plate of ribs.
Eventually, we said yes. Every pack of Yellow Dog is crafted in small batches right here in Florida—because quality matters more than quantity, and we'd never put our name on something we wouldn't serve at our own table.
Every great BBQ story needs a faithful companion. Ours was Tucker—our loyal yellow lab who never missed a single cookout. Rain or shine, Tucker was right there by the grill, patiently waiting for his share of the scraps (and taste-testing more than his fair share of dropped meat).
We named our rub after him. Because just like Tucker, this rub is loyal, dependable, and always makes everything better.
We believe great BBQ shouldn’t require a pantry full of seasonings. Just one really good one.
— Art & Pam Harding, Founders
