Holland, Michigan · Est. 2026

Pretzels smoked twice. A family running the whole thing once.

We're Ryan and Holly. We smoke everything over real pecan wood, twice, because liquid smoke isn't a flavor — it's a shortcut. Everything else about Back 40 BBQ grew out of that one decision.

Our Story Shop Now
Photo — Ryan pulling a tray off the smoker
How this got started

One question from a friend. A lot of trial and error after.

Ryan's wanted to cook for people since he was a kid. A friend asked him once, "Have you ever smoked pretzels?" He hadn't — so he fired up the smoker, ran a batch, and knew immediately there was something here. That batch became Garlic Parmesan. Garlic Parmesan became Back 40 BBQ.

At the start of 2026, Ryan and his wife Holly turned it into a family business. It still is one, top to bottom.

"Serve the community and make food that brings people together."

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Photo — the family at a vendor show
Ryan Cooking · Operations

Runs the smoker and works every show.

Holly Finance · Booth Design

Keeps the books and the plan honest.

Kaylin, 15 Cooking · Packaging

Runs her own station at shows now.

Lily, 8 Head Taste Tester

An official title. She takes it seriously.

Why we show up

This was never just about the pretzels.

We didn't start Back 40 BBQ to build a pretzel brand. We started it to show up for Holland — the pretzels are just how we get in the door.

Vendor Shows & Markets

Farmers markets, church fundraisers, school events, local festivals across West Michigan — that's where we've actually built this business.

West Michigan Sourcing

Real Amish butter. Legacy bourbon distilled in Hudsonville. When a neighbor can supply it instead of a distributor, we go with the neighbor.

Built for Bigger Tables

Catering, a food truck, eventually a storefront — every step is aimed at feeding more of this community, not just growing a brand.

Running a market, fundraiser, or school event in Holland? We'd like to hear about it.

Partner With Us
What's actually in the bag

Three flavors. Smoked twice. Never sprayed.

A butter binder, a trip through the smoker, a seasoning coat, then a second trip through the smoker. No shortcut version exists.

Garlic Parmesan
The Original

Garlic Parmesan

Real roasted garlic, fresh micro-grated parmesan and pecorino romano. The batch that started all of this.

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Maple Bourbon
Most Popular

Maple Bourbon

Sweet maple up front, Legacy bourbon from Hudsonville underneath. Smooth, not boozy.

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White Cheddar Jalapeño
Most Unique

White Cheddar Jalapeño

Sharp white cheddar first, then heat that builds and backs off right on time.

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Build Your Own Bundle

Mix all three flavors. 4oz from $8, 8oz from $15.

Build a Bundle
2026

Founded in Holland, MI

2×

Smoked, not sprayed

100%

Pecan wood, no liquid smoke

4

Family members on the payroll