A Legacy Forged in Fire
The Founder is more than a steakhouse — it’s the next chapter in a legendary journey.
Joe Davidson, the man behind the world-famous Oklahoma Joe’s Smokers and BBQ, built his reputation on fire, smoke, and a relentless commitment to quality. After decades of shaping the barbecue world, Joe returns to his hometown of Okemah, Oklahoma to honor his roots and start something new.
At The Founder, you’ll find more than just premium steaks and handcrafted sides — you’ll find a story told in every detail, from the char on your ribeye to the warmth in the wood-grained walls. It’s a place where legacy lives, the fire still burns, and every meal feels like home.
GRASSROOTS
Oklahoma State Fair
Using $2,000 he had saved up, Joe built 12 smokers and took them to the 1987 Oklahoma State Fair. They all sold on the first weekend, and when the smoke cleared, Joe left with orders to build over 100 more. After six months of hard work, long nights, and countless sparks flying from the shop floor, Joe knew he was onto something special. With the success of those first custom smokers, Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker and Grill Company was officially founded — setting the standard for authentic barbecue equipment built to last.
Hand Crafted Smokers
Everywhere Joe went, the smokers were on fire, so to speak. Orders began piling in, and Joe soon found himself manufacturing smokers and growing his brand presence in the United States and Europe. Oklahoma Joe's Manufacturing quickly grew, building and selling barbecue smokers to major distributors around the world. Joe sold Oklahoma Joe's Smokers to Charbroil back in 1998 and is proud to continue to work with them as Spokesperson and Founder.
The Passion
With his passion for building smokers naturally came a love for barbecue and an interest in barbecue competitions. After his first competition in 1987, the T-Town BBQ Cook-off, he was hooked on the idea of creating award-winning barbecue. Joe mastered the art of barbecue, and he and his team won over 300 titles, including the coveted Grand Champion Overall titles at the Jack Daniels's World Championship, American Royal, and the World Pork Barbequolassal. Over the years, Joe has perfected his craft, using only the best ingredients, to create an unforgettable flavor and barbecue experience.
Someone has to be – The BEST in the World
Joe continued to build smokers and rack up cook-off titles, but he wanted to do more. He set his sights on opening a restaurant where he could share his award-winning barbecue and passion for great food with the world. In 1994, a fellow cooking competitor and good friend became a business partner. Jeff Stehney had butted heads with Joe in numerous competitions, both taking turns winning titles, when the two became friends and discussed opening a restaurant together. In 1995, they opened the first Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue in Stillwater and soon after in 1996 opened another in Kansas City in a gas station with one thing in mind, that was cooking world championship BBQ that is the best in the world! Today, there are 5 Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue locations in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, and Owasso. Each restaurant combines the best low heat, slow cooking techniques with a unique blend of spices and sauces to create a taste that's world-class.
The newest accolade Joe Davidson received was being inducted into the BBQ Hall of Fame in 2020!
Best BBQ Sauce & Spice
As an award-winning barbecue pitmaster, Joe has worked for decades to create a formula for what's been awarded the "Best BBQ on the Planet." Starting with quality meats, the proprietary blend of spices is rubbed over the meats and then smoked with seasoned pecan wood in specially designed smokers. In fact, Joe invented his own specific blend of spices for each kind of meat. These unique spice and sauce combinations create a truly Oklahoma barbecue flavor – one that's not too sweet, not too vinegary, but just right. Named "Best Barbecue Sauce and Best Dry Rub on the Planet,"
Oklahoma Joe's BBQ sauce is available at Walmart, The Founder and all Oklahoma Joe's BBQ locations. Joe's Dry Rubs are available at The Founder and all Oklahoma Joe's locations.
The Founder
Joe Davidson has spent decades perfecting the art of great food — from building his first smokers by hand to serving award-winning BBQ across the country. But The Founder is more than his next venture; it’s a dream years in the making.
Every detail — from the cut of the steak to the feel of the room — carries Joe’s dedication, grit, and heart. This isn’t just a place to eat. It’s the next chapter in a legacy built on hard work, craftsmanship, and the belief that a great meal can bring folks together like nothing else.
Welcome to The Founder. Pull up a chair — you’re part of the story now.
