Where It All Began

Deep in West Columbia, Texas—the first capital of the Republic of Texas—our story was born. Frank C. Massey, Johnny's great-grandfather, fired up his pits, which smoked with grit, heart, and a one-of-a-kind sauce so flavorful that 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 treat 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 smoky 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 star was born: "A Tad Sweet, Just The Right Heat."

The Buzz of Legends

There's smoke flowing off Frank's smoky barbecue pits through his restaurant—a Texas-sized "big fish story" passed around like ribs at a backyard party. Yep, it's the buzz of Hollywood coming to Frank's barbecue joint to enjoy the great food and some star-studded sauce. Did Bing Crosby and hometown icon Kathryn Crosby love Frank's sauce so much that they'd make a memorable trip when visiting? Johnny's mom pledged it to be true. As a kid, Johnny doubted it, saying—Hollywood stars in tiny West Columbia, Texas?

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We may never know, but two Hollywood Stars still buzz through our crafting the sauce today. True or not, the legend sparks a great Hollywood TV scene, from Hollywood to Orlando, to Austin, to West Columbia, Texas, where our one-of-a-kind flavor originated. Legends still live.  

Introducing ZIMMZ

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

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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.

TX Mustard: Balanced, savory, slightly sweet, setting a new era in Texas.

New Star Is 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 a Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman. Jeff and Johnny, in High School with Drew and a group of 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, the two friends reminisced about their High School days during their weekly talks. They recalled everything from 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, JB and lifelong friend, Drew, knew Jeff's legacy needed to live on. That's when ZIMMZ was born—formed when D.D. Massey (Johnny's grandfather) published his father, Frank C. Massey's, 1930s recipe in a church cookbook.

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Johnny's grandfather published the 1930s recipe in 1994, and Johnny's mom gave the cookbook to him, and he started making small batches. Johnny wanted to honor his grandmother, and after calling an audible at the line of scrimmage, following one of their best friends being drafted into the Heavenly Football League (HFL). The new start-up name became clear to Johnny and Drew. With our deep family roots in Texas, we pledge to have a bond from ZIMMZ to your table. Thank you!

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 is packed with tradition, stories, and that one-of-a-kind flavor. Taste the legacy, and crown your barbecue with a bottle of ZIMMZ.

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Capture your memories and share your stories with family and friends on Instagram. See you there. ☆ Thank you for joining our family team ⏤. Enjoy 😀. 

ZIMMZ – FLAVOR CROWNED. LEGACY REIGNS.