Lucious Newsom invented his famous BBQ rub in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1987. What has been called "the world's best" barbecue seasoning came into being because a man named Lucious Newsom didn't like having to draw unemployment compensation to get by and was determined to find a way to make some money. he told a newspaper interviewer years ago. And he knew what the answer was - a secret seasoning
- resulting from years of experimentation with old family recipes to make a tangy blend of salt, spices and herbs. A barbecue chef for four decades, Lucious had come upon hard times when a former business associate, thinking he had learned Lucious’ secret recipe told Lucious “to take off, that he didn’t him”. It was while unemployed that Lucious elaborated on his already well-known seasoning to create the formula that today is winning acclaim all over the United States. But getting into business wasn’t easy. He knew of a company in another city that could package the seasoning. But Lucious had no money to get there. So he hitchhiked, catching rides, but having to walk much of the way too. When he finally arrived an hour before closing and explained why he was there, the manager was skeptical. So Lucious promised the man if he would delay closing, he would have some of his barbecue ready for sampling. The meat was purchased and a grill obtained. After tasting it, the manager proclaimed it “fantastic”, and although Lucious had no money, the manager agreed to get the seasoning rady for the market. And the rest is history!
