is a family-owned manufacturing business, founded in 1989 by entrepreneurs Debra and Reg Dudley. The Dudleys branched into barbecue cooking because of their friend Oscar Sullivan, a former member of the Grand Ole Opry. Oscar asked the couple if they could make something for the grills at his campground in Cave City, Kentucky, that would allow campers to cook their food without having it stick or fall between the grates. Reg, a marine veteran with an engineering background, built a screen to fit the grills and the Grill Topper was born. Naturally, the husband-wife team decided to name their new company after their dear friend Oscar. The Dudleys had a vision that the Grill Topper could expand the traditional backyard barbecue menu beyond hamburgers and hotdogs. They began testing a variety of meals and recipes at home with their family and friends using their new product including blackened fish, shrimp with stir fry vegetables, pizza, fajitas, and even their own Thanksgiving turkey. Their many at-home trials helped them perfect the Grill Topper’s unique design. The perforated holes allow food to cook evenly and the handles formed into the product reduce the safety risk of handle breakage. They wanted the Grill Topper to be able to withstand high grill temperatures and perform like a non-stick pan but without harmful chemicals and be dishwasher-safe so they developed a signature black porcelain coating. Oscarware has proven itself to be a successful and trusted brand in the outdoor grilling industry. It has continued to develop its Grill Topper products and now offers a complete line of both disposable and gourmet porcelain coated steel toppers, woks and griddles. All products are made in Bonnieville, a city of less than 300 people in central Kentucky.
“We hope that our products motivate people to grill good healthy food hassle-free with Oscarware Grill Toppers. We want to create those experiences that allow family and friends to enjoy spending quality time together, making new traditions that will last a lifetime whether it be in their backyard, over a campfire, at a tailgate, or on vacation…just like it has with our family.”
— THE DUDLEY FAMILY
