Where It All Began

Deep in West Columbia, Texas—the first capital of the Republic—our story was born. Frank C. Massey, Johnny's great-grandfather fired up his pits that smoked with grit, heart, and a sauce so flavorful it was crowned over every slab of ribs, chicken, brisket, and BBQ it touched. Slathered on top or dipped on the side, it wasn't just a sauce but a one-of-a-kind to enjoy.

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Out of smoke and soul in 1937 Frank's passion poured into his barbecue; from the heat of the smokey pits to Frank enjoying a puff on his stogie, his devotion to his craft still reigns. The sauce wasn't just flavor—it was Texas family tradition, passed down through three generations. When Johnny picked up the torch and took the original sauce to the next level with a sweet-heat flavor profile that's now their signature, a new chapter was born:

• "A Tad Sweet, Just The Right Heat."

The Buzz of Legends

There's smoke flowing off Frank's smokey barbecue pits through his restaurant—a Texas size "big fish story" passed around like ribs at a backyard party. Yep, it's the buzz of Hollywood coming to sit down at Frank's barbecue joint to enjoy. Did Bing Crosby and hometown icon Kathryn Crosby love Frank's sauce they'd make a special trip when visiting? Johnny's mom pledged it to be true. As a kid, he doubted it, saying—Hollywood stars in tiny West Columbia?

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We may never know but two Hollywood Stars still buzz through our smokestack today. True or not, the legend stokes a great Hollywood TV scene from Hollywood, to Orlando to Austin to West Columbia, Texas where our one-of-a-kind flavor began⏤legends still live.  

Introducing ZIMMZ

Originally named TUBBE'S (for Johnny's grandmother), the brand hit trademark hurdles after the USPTO granted Johnny and lifelong friend Drew their trademark was published for use in the official Gazette. But out of this gridiron challenge from Big Corporate. A new legacy reigns. Johnny and Drew had to call a quarterback audible at the line of scrimmage with Big Corporate. Out of that play call came ZIMMZ—a name now rooted in eternal friendship, legacy, and gridiron grit.

Our flavor lineup brings Texas heritage and football gridiron heart, to your barbecue:

• Original: A Tad Sweet, Just The Right Heat.
• TX Spicy: Bold, fiery, and full of Texas attitude.
• TX Bourbon: Rich, smooth Texas Born Bourbon.

New Chapter Born

• "A Tad Sweet, Just The Right Heat."

As Little Tikes, Johnny formed a lifelong bond with Jeff Zimmerman—better known as part of "The Gator Great Wall." A Florida Gator inducted into the Gator Hall of Fame and Dallas Cowboy offensive lineman. Jeff and Johnny in High School with a group friends formed a bond as strong as Jeff's, "Great Gator Wall."

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Before Jeff went to play football on the eternal gridiron. On their Wednesday talks the two friends reminisced about old times from High School, Johnny's mom's country-style ribs, to Jeff's mom's famous spaghetti sauce poured over pasta⏤don't we all love our mom's cooking?

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Jeff saying to Johnny: "JB, what you did with your great-grandpa's sauce, making it a tad sweet, it's liquid gold⏤my brother. Get it out there Johnny—trust me, people will love it."

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Then, when Jeff was drafted to team Pearly Gates, Johnny and lifelong friend, Drew, knew Jeff's legacy needed to live on. That's when ZIMMZ was born—formed out of D.D. Massey (Johnny's grandfather) publishing his father's 1930s recipe in a church cookbook. Johnny's grandfather published the 1930s recipe in 1994. And Johnny's mom gave the cookbook to him. It a bond from ZIMMZ to your table. Enjoy.

Flavor Crowned. Legacy Reigns.

From Frank's 1930s West Columbia smoky pits to your tailgate parties, backyard barbecues, and beach cookouts. Worldwide—ZIMMZ brings the flavor to your great times and barbecue party. Each bottle packed with tradition, stories, and that unmistakable flavor. Join the team, taste the legacy, and crown your barbecue. Make your memories and tell your stories with family and friends ☆

ZIMMZ – Texas Roots. Gridiron Heart.