The Foundation
Some Things Stay With You.
Red Comb BBQ Co. may have started around a grill, but the things that shaped it started long before there was a name, a logo or a plan.
Family. Friends. Lessons learned. People who challenged us, encouraged us and left something behind worth carrying forward.
This is where we remember the people and influences that helped build the foundation beneath Red Comb.
An Inspiration
Dr. Charles Whitcomb
Family. Mentor. A Lasting Influence.
Long before Red Comb BBQ Co. had a name, Charlie Whitcomb was one of the people helping shape the thinking behind it.
He knew his way around food and hospitality, having catered for hundreds before going on to a career in education and leadership at San Jose State University. But his influence went well beyond either.
Charlie had a way of challenging people to think a little harder, aim a little higher and actually pursue the things they talked about doing.
One day Adam told Charlie he had made an Alabama White Sauce. Charlie laughed, gave him a hard time, and challenged him on whether a white barbecue sauce could really be barbecue sauce. It was one of those small conversations that sticks with you.
Charlie never got the chance to taste the finished sauce.
But the challenge stayed.
What Remains
More Than Barbecue.
Charlie selflessly helped young athletes and young people find, pursue and achieve their dreams and desires through dedication to his family, his community and future generations.
That example matters here.
Red Comb is being built around some of those same simple ideas: respect the craft, take care of people, keep learning, share what you know and leave things a little better than you found them.
Some influences don't need their name on the bottle to be part of what's inside it.
The people who shape us become part of what we build.
This one's for you, Uncle Charlie.
It All Starts With a Match. 🔥
Listen to the Fire.