Every bottle of barbecue sauce at the N.C. State Fair tells a story, but few are as heartfelt as the story behind Slick’s BBQ.
This barbecue sauce traces back to a man affectionately known as “Slick.” Nicknamed “Slick” by his fellow firefighters at Station 3 in Garner, Capt. Brent T. Barnhill was known as the shift’s chef. In 1996, he created a barbecue sauce recipe that became a staple in the meals he prepared for his crew, and in his home.
Slick’s ultimate dream was to see his sauce on grocery store shelves across North Carolina. His son, Brent H. Barnhill, recalls going to Food Lion with his dad and listening to stories about how all his father wanted was to see his recipe bottled and sitting on store shelves.
Although Slick lost a devastating battle with cancer in 2013, his son turned his dream into reality with the original recipe, the support of his wife, Cheyenne and a lot of determination. Slick’s BBQ sauce was first available for purchase at Garner Firemen’s Day in 2023.
“What started as a way to honor my dad’s dream has turned into a thriving business for my family,” said Brent H. Barnhill, owner of Slick’s BBQ Sauce.
Today, you can find Slick’s BBQ sauce in 47 stores across the state, including 31 Food Lion locations. For the Barnhill family, this milestone celebrates a business achievement and the pride in fulfilling a father’s dream.
This year, Slick’s BBQ sauce is bringing their flavor and tradition to the N.C. State Fair for the first time. Fairgoers visiting the Got to Be NC Pavilion inside iconic Dorton Arena will have the chance to taste and take home the sauce that honors Slick’s legacy in three bold flavors: mild, medium and hot. “All three of our sauces are a mix between eastern and western North Carolina barbecue sauce styles, paying tribute to the different barbecue cultures that bind us as one state,” Barnhill said.
For the Barnhills, being Got to Be NC members means feeling thankful for the opportunities the program provides for them. “The North Carolina Department of Agriculture was instrumental in getting Slick’s on the shelves of Food Lion.” Barnhill tells us. “And we could not be more grateful for their support.” They are honored to be vendors at the fair this year, and look forward to sharing their product with thousands of fairgoers.
When you visit the Got to Be NC Pavilion inside Dorton Arena at the N.C. State Fair you’ll discover the true taste of North Carolina. This year, visitors can shop Got to Be NC merchandise, watch local chefs prepare and sample dishes on the cooking-demo stage, and explore products from more than 30 Got to Be NC members, all made right here in our state.
While you’re there, be sure to stop by Slick’s BBQ booth in the Got to Be NC Pavilion from Oct. 16-26, to meet Brent and Cheyenne hear their story firsthand and savor a sauce born out of love, legacy and the belief that dreams do come true.