It only makes sense that Santa Maria Valley barbecue country would inspire a variety of entrepreneurs who share a passion for our famed barbecue style.
Al Pabst (pictured here) was one such Santa Marian who, in 1948 developed Santa Maria Bar-B-Que Salt for his personal use. Before he knew it, he was producing it for friends and fellow barbecue enthusiasts throughout the area, including members of the legendary Santa Maria Club. In 1958 he began mixing and bottling it for sale locally, and it became a foundational part of what we now call “Santa Maria Style” barbecue.
When Pabst retired to Sarasota, Florida in 1974, he continued to produce and sell his seasoning salt in both the Santa Maria and Sarasota markets for many years. Today the original recipe is maintained and sold by his children and grandchildren to the barbecue set worldwide.
According to the company web site, there are few foods that cannot be improved by Santa Maria Bar-B-Que Salt, and some people even use it in their beer!
