Today we’d like to introduce you to Burnette Prince Jr
Hi Burnette, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m originally from Memphis, TN—home of legendary BBQ and the Memphis Grizzlies—and I currently reside in Pensacola, FL. My journey started with a 14.5-year career in the Air Force, where I worked as a weapons loader on F-16, A-10, and F-35 fighter jets. During my service, I deployed to Afghanistan, honing skills like precision, teamwork, and adaptability. In 2016, I was medically separated, which marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
After leaving the military, I pursued entrepreneurship by opening a clothing store, Traffik Boutique, in the outskirts of Atlanta. While the store was successful, I transitioned in the fall of 2018 to explore new opportunities. That same year, I returned to Florida and began coaching football, one of my lifelong passions. I volunteered as a coach and served as the offensive coordinator for a middle school football team, helping shape and mentor young athletes both on and off the field.
In 2020, I felt a pull toward another passion—cooking. I started humbly as a pizza maker at a local pub in Destin, Florida, where I developed a deeper appreciation for food. I then transitioned to working with seafood, which inspired me to take my culinary journey to the next level. In the fall of 2021, I enrolled in a culinary program at a technical college, graduating in December 2022. I am now continuing my education at Pensacola State College, pursuing a degree in Culinary Arts to further expand my skills and expertise.
During culinary school, I participated in a BBQ competition that required creating a dry rub, BBQ sauce, and marinade from scratch. Winning that competition sparked my passion for BBQ sauce and inspired me to create my own brand. Being from Memphis—a city synonymous with world-class BBQ—this felt like a natural calling. I began crafting sauces, which I tested and refined while working as the head chef at a Thai restaurant in Destin. A neighboring restaurant even featured my Brown Bear BBQ Sauce on their menu for a signature sandwich, motivating me to pursue my brand further.
In May 2024, I returned to Memphis and participated in a local vendor event, where I introduced my Sweet with a Bee Sting flavor, along with two new flavors: Kelly Hot, a tribute to my great-grandfather Kelly Bethany, who made BBQ plates for church members in Memphis during the 60s, 70s, and 80s; and Smooth & Smoky, designed for those who enjoy a milder BBQ experience. The event was a success, selling out completely and generating significant interest in my sauces.
Since then, Brown Bear BBQ Sauce has continued to grow, earning recognition and opportunities to share my products with a broader audience. Over the holiday break, I sent a variety of my sauces to the Chicago Bears as part of a promotional effort, further solidifying the brand’s reach and potential.
What sets Brown Bear BBQ Sauce apart is its healthier approach to BBQ. My sauces are made with organic, non-GMO ingredients and sweetened with Manuka honey, which is known for its antibacterial properties, immune system support, and digestive health benefits. This commitment to quality and health sets my brand apart in the BBQ world.
The name “Brown Bear” is deeply personal. My first name, Burnette, translates to “Bear; Brown” in both English and Irish baby names. I flipped the meaning to create “Brown Bear,” a name that honors my identity and reflects the strength and authenticity of my brand. To make my products stand out, I use bear-shaped bottles, giving them a unique and memorable identity.
Brown Bear BBQ Sauce continues to expand. What started as a passion project inspired by my Memphis roots has evolved into a business built on creativity, quality, and a love
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the challenges I’ve faced is ensuring consistency in sourcing ingredients, especially in bulk. Maintaining the quality of my sauces means I have to be selective about where I get my ingredients, and at times, it can be difficult to find reliable suppliers who can meet my needs consistently. This has required me to adapt quickly, build strong relationships with vendors, and stay ahead of potential delays.
Another challenge has been managing the logistics of running a growing business, such as ensuring food labels arrive on time or coordinating production schedules to keep up with demand. These hurdles have taught me the importance of organization, planning, and patience.
Despite these obstacles, I’ve stayed focused on my goals and found solutions to keep the business running smoothly. Each challenge has pushed me to be more resourceful and has strengthened my commitment to delivering a high-quality product my customers can rely on.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Brown Bear GoodMoodFood BBQ Sauces specializes in creating bold, flavorful, and healthier BBQ options. We’re known for using organic, non-GMO ingredients and Manuka honey, which adds natural health benefits like immune support and digestive care. Our three signature flavors—Kelly Hot, Smooth & Smoky, and Sweet with a Bee Sting—each offer a unique BBQ experience, from intense ghost pepper heat to rich, hickory sweetness.
What sets us apart is our attention to detail, from the eye-catching bear-shaped bottles to the meaningful logo inspired by my first name, Burnette, which means “Bear; Brown.” I’m proud of the thought and creativity behind the brand, which reflects my Memphis roots and my passion for quality. In just 5 and a half months, we’ve averaged 8–10 new customers per month and continue to grow steadily.
At Brown Bear, we don’t just make BBQ sauce—we create a flavorful, healthy experience that stands out in a crowded market.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories was playing football in the streets of North Memphis near my grandmother’s house or in the Raleigh-Frayser area. We’d go to other neighborhoods and rival against their teams—it was like a grassroots football league for the kids. Another standout memory was attending the Memphis State University summer camp (now known as the University of Memphis) back in the 90s. Those moments not only sparked my love for football but also created some of my most cherished experiences growing up.
Pricing:
- 5oz bottle $5
- 6oz bottle $9
- 12oz bottle $12
- Sample Pack (all 3 flavors in 2 oz ) $15
- Holiday Bundle (3x 12 oz bottles): $50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BrownBearGoodMoodFood.com
- Instagram: BrownBear_GMF
- Facebook: Burnette Prince Jr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@brownbear_goodmoodfood
