US-based food ingredient solutions provider OWS Foods has acquired Lillie’s Q Sauces & Rubs (Lillie’s Q), a premium barbeque (BBQ) brand owned by Chef Charlie McKenna.
Founded in 2010, Lillie’s Q is an established barbeque brand offering authentic Southern flavours and premium quality sauces, rubs, and seasonings.
Chef McKenna named the company after his Grandma Lillie, from whom he learned the art of true Southern BBQ when he was growing up in Greenville, South Carolina.
In 2014, in partnership with Brian Golinvaux, the company commercialised its premium products into a CPG portfolio that is sold in retail grocery stores.
Lillie’s Q founder and chef Charlie McKenna said: “With BGL’s guidance and advice, we were able to identify and negotiate with the right partner to accelerate the Lillie’s Q brand.
“When I launched Lillie’s over 14 years ago, the goal was to get the product into every household. We believe we have the best-tasting product in the market, and with the resources offered through a bigger platform, we are excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Lillie’s Q co-founder and president Brian Golinvaux said: “The BGL team ran an excellent, efficient process which resulted in a fantastic partner for the company.”
Established in 1988, OWS Foods is the maker of Championship BBQ sauces and rubs, including Head Country, and is now adding Lillie’s Q to its team.
The company operates a research and development (R&D) lab in Overland Park, Kansas, to support the advanced manufacturing facilities in Concordia, Missouri, and Ponca City, Oklahoma.
OWS Foods’ R&D capabilities, together with Charlie McKenna’s advanced profiles, are expected to help Lillie’s Q explore and enter new complementary product categories.
The acquisition is expected to support Lillie’s Q in expanding its presence in conventional grocery, food service, and club channels.
Brown Gibbons Lang (BGL), an investment banking and financial advisory firm, served as the exclusive financial advisor to Lillie’s Q on the deal.
