Most People Don't Know That Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce Was Invented Right Here In Oklahoma
By Ashley|Published December 12, 2023
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Ashley
Author
Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 30 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. When she isn't writing about Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beach and exploring new areas.
In the heartland of America, where the winds whisper tales of barbecue perfection, there’s a story that most people didn’t know—a story that begins in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and unfolds through generations of barbecue mastery. Nestled in the heart of this great state is Head Country, the barbecue sauce that has quietly become an Oklahoma legend.
The man behind the magic is CR Head, a native Oklahoman born into the barbecue business. A third-generation guardian of flavor, CR's journey traces back to World War II when his uncle, Donovan Fred Head, a Navy cook, concocted a sauce that would later become the essence of Head Country.
Serving it to sailors on the ship, Donovan returned home, refined the recipe, and started selling jars of this liquid gold to neighbors. In 1977, Donovan's nephew and CR's father, Danny Head, acquired the recipe, setting the stage for the barbecue empire that Head Country would become.
CR, a college graduate with a disdain for corporate life, returned to Ponca City, dedicating his passion to expanding the family legacy. Crafting sauces in his kitchen with his mother, he sold them in local shops, and the demand soared beyond the neighborhood.
Head Country quickly became more than just a sauce; it became a legacy, an Oklahoma-style of barbecue that resonated with the community. Accolades followed, and it proudly claimed its spot as the #1 best-selling BBQ sauce in the state.
The sauce, a perfectly balanced blend of sweet and savory with a hint of heat, has become a symbol of home for many. As the Head Country story celebrates over 75 years, the sauce that started in the heartland has spread globally.
Head Country has boldly expanded its flavor empire to include an exquisite line of seasonings. Now, enthusiasts can elevate their grilling experience by adding a touch of Head Country's signature magic to their food.
Today, barbecue enthusiasts can also explore a spectrum of tastes, from the fiery kick of Hot & Spicy to the sweet heat of Apple Habanero and the tangy allure of Sweet Mustard, ensuring there's a Head Country sauce for every barbecue aficionado.
