2. About “Whole Hog”
• Fast casual BBQ restaurant chain, founded in Little Rock, AR
• Currently 15 locations throughout Arkansas, Missouri, New Mexico, and New
Jersey
– 5 company-owned locations
– 7 independently owned & operated licensee locations
– 3 franchised locations
• Established reputation as Arkansas’ premier BBQ restaurant
– Featured on Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels “Best Barbecue” episode (Season 3;
Episode 3)
– 1 of 5 restaurants listed as “Don’t Miss” while in Arkansas by Fodor’s Guide
– Maintains 4.5 out of 5 star rating on Yelp.com, with ~283 reviews to-date
– Awarded “Best Barbecue” by Arkansas Times every year since 2001
3. Our Story
• 1998 – Founders Ron Blasingame, Mike “Sarge” Davis, and Steve Lucchi form core of
competitive BBQ team.
• 2000 – Team earns 2nd place finish in “Ribs” category at Memphis-in-May World
Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Whole Hog Cafe opens for business three
months later.
• 2002 – Team earns 1st place finish in “Whole Hog” category at Memphis-in-May; logo
changed from “Award-winning BBQ” to “World Champion BBQ”.
• 2005 – First license agreement signed for location in Bentonville, AR.
• 2013 – Whole Hog Cafe – Cherry Hill opens as base for Northeast expansion
• 2015 – Second Northeast location opens in Medford, NJ
• Firmitas Brands comes on as Northeast Sub-Franchisor/ Development Agent
4. World Champion BBQ – Served Every Day
Memphis-in-May 2002 – 1st Place Whole Hog
Menu
Highlights
RIBS
HALF-CHICKEN
PULLED PORK
BRISKET
SAUSAGE
*ALL SMOKED IN HOUSE*
5. Successful Operations in Various Formats
Little Rock, AR
Smokers - Cherry Hill, NJ
Grand Opening
Little Rock Airport
(Food Court)
Bryant, AR
Cherry Hill, NJ
(Standalone; 5,900 sq ft)
Original Location – Little Rock, AR
(Strip Mall; 9,000 sq ft w/ banquet room)
Bryant, AR
(End Cap; 3,500 sq ft)
Food Truck
6. Awards & Recognitions
Did you know that…
… at least two U.S. Presidents have eaten at
Whole Hog?
… Whole Hog Cafe serving utensils are in
President Clinton’s time capsule, which will
be opened in the year 2104?
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Winner - Best BBQ
2015, 2014, 2013, 2012
Winner - Best Ribs
2015, 2014, 2013, 2012
Arkansas Times
Winner - Best BBQ
2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011,
2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006,
2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001
South Jersey Magazine
Winner - Best BBQ
2014
Memphis-in-May
World Championship Barbecue Cooking
Contest
Whole Hog Category
1st Place - 2002
6th Place - 2013
Ribs Category
2nd Place - 2000 & 2002
3rd Place - 2008
5th Place - 2013
President George W. Bush visits Bentonville, AR
(2008)
X-Men star Hugh Jackman tweets:
“We heard this is the best. Well it sure is
the best this Aussie has had…..& we know
BBQ!
pic.twitter.com/fny34hXIWK
