Today we’d like to introduce you to Cory Taylor.
Hi Cory, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas—just outside of Kansas City, one of the BEST Bar-B-Que regions in the nation. This is where I developed my love for real, authentic BBQ. After graduating College at Kansas State University, I attended a local culinary school for a year before I realized that it wasn’t for me. I followed my then girlfriend, now wife, up to Blaine, MN in 2005. I realized that the BBQ scene up north was lacking. So, I took matters into my own hands by becoming a certified Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) Judge and member. I start a competition team, just for fun, with a buddy of mine and was cooking on my smokers every chance I could.
For over 20 years, I’ve been crafting my own BBQ sauces, rubs, and seasonings. In the beginning I was making my stuff for just friends and family members as a hobby. In 2020, a career and life change led me to officially launch CT’s Revival Bar-B-Que. It started as just something to pass the time until I figured out my next phase in life, so i thought. Then it just began to grow and grow and is now my full time job. Making small batch craft BBQ Sauces, seasonings and rubs. I love getting to create new and unique flavor profiles as well as have the opportunity to introduce regional flavors into the Minnesota BBQ world that many have otherwise not had the chance to experience.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Its never a smooth road, but with my determination and work ethic, I have been able to make this business grow. I have been able to fall back on my Business Degree which has helped with everything from making and running my own website, to supply chain product ordering, to keeping track of all the accounting and books to being the sales person selling the product. It was a new industry to me and so the biggest struggles were just figuring out licenses you needed, and training along with figuring out how to and where to sell your product and market it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
In 2020, a career and life change led me to officially launch CT’s Revival Bar-B-Que LLC. The name reflects both my initials and my mission: to revive and elevate BBQ flavors, ensuring every bite delivers that true, mouthwatering experience. Blended and produced in East Bethel, Minnesota, CT’s Revival Bar-B-Que offers small-batch, craft BBQ sauces, rubs, and seasonings, made with the highest-quality ingredients. Whether you’re smoking, grilling, cooking or just looking for that perfect finishing touch—I’m proud to bring you the best in authentic, handcrafted barbecue flavors.
I try and use some local product in my sauces and rubs/seasonings when I can. Most of the peppers used in the sauces or rubs/seasonings are grown by me, and then smoked and turned into powder. Peppers from a jalapeno to a Carolina reaper and everywhere in between. In October I bring out my smoky Apple BBQ Sauce made with our own Honeycrisp apples from our orchard. I collaborate with several local people on different sauce flavors from fresh Maple Syrup and coffee.
I try and bring flavors from all over the nation. Most people don’t know that there are different BBQ regions, but they are all so different. I have, my favorite, “KC” which is a Kansas City Style sauce, I have a Georgia Mustard BBQ Sauce, to a Kentucky Black BBQ Sauce, a North Carolina Mop Sauce, to a Texas Style Sauce. I have about four tangy BBQ Sauces, 5-7 Sweeter BBQ sauces, and 7-9 spicy BBQ Sauces that range from mild to extra hot. With Honey Garlic and Blackberry Wood Fired Jalapeno being my two best sellers. I love to have a variety of flavors, because everyone likes something different. I then bring out one new sauce and one throw back sauce I have made before on the first of each month from April to October that are all limited release in very small batches and when they are gone they are gone. I have produced 46 different flavors so far since 2020. My best sellers obviously are avaible all year long. I just really love coming up with new flavors and bring new ideas to people to try.
I have my four main rubs, “Cluck”, “Oink”, “Moo” and “Skinny Cow” (sugar free) and they are all based off the Kansas City style I was born and raised with. Perfect for if your smoking some meat up.
My seasonings range from a hot honey seasoning “SHH…”, to a ranch all purpose seasoning “WTF” (Wings, Tots, Fries), to a cajun/blackened seasonings “NOLA”, to a fish seasoning “Fishy”, to a dill pickle and spicy dill pickle “Dill With It”, to my best seller my grilling seasoning “You Betcha”. I also have a lamb, jerky, and a few other seasonings.
My motto is “KC Roots, SOTA Made”. I love bringing joy to peoples lives through my food. And hope it brings more people to the BBQ world.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I use the apps that connect to my social media platforms to get my info out and the app for my website. I really like using an app called Simple Time Tracker. It helps me track my hours, but since I have to do everything, I can log what I am doing from making sauce to computer work to sales. Gives me an idea where all my time is being spent.
Pricing:
- BBQ Sauces $10
- Seasonings/Rubs 8oz $10
- Seasonings/Rubs 16oz $17
- Bloody Mary Mixes $13
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ctsrevivalbbq.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctsrevivalbbq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctsrevivalbbq
