The barbecue world just got more accessible. Rodney Scott, the James Beard Award-winning pitmaster behind Charleston’s acclaimed Rodney Scott’s BBQ, has partnered with Target. His exclusive line brings legendary Carolina-style flavors to kitchen tables across America. This collaboration marks a significant moment for Southern food culture. It democratizes access to authentic regional barbecue techniques perfected over generations.
Authentic Flavors Meet Mainstream Appeal
Scott’s 12-item collection under Target’s Good & Gather brand reflects his deep roots in South Carolina’s whole-hog barbecue tradition. The line features products crafted without artificial flavors, synthetic colors, or high fructose corn syrup. This stays true to the clean, traditional approach that earned Scott national recognition.
- Carolina-Style Tangy Pepper BBQ Sauce ($4): A versatile marinade and finishing sauce with Scott’s signature spicy-tangy balance
- Smooth & Tangy White Sauce ($5): Buttermilk-based sauce perfect for burnt ends or grilled seafood
- Seasoning Blends Trio ($11): Spicy, lemon, and sweet blends designed for various smoking and roasting applications
- Honey Cornbread Mix ($3): Yields 15 servings of authentic Southern cornbread
- BBQ Macaroni & Cheese ($5): Ready-to-eat comfort food combining two Southern staples
The collection addresses a growing demand for authentic regional flavors in mainstream retail. Scott’s approach differs from typical celebrity chef collaborations. He focuses on accessibility rather than premium pricing. All items are priced under $9 to make authentic barbecue flavors affordable for home cooks.
Cultural Impact Beyond the Grill
This partnership represents more than convenient shopping. It’s cultural preservation through commerce. Scott’s whole-hog barbecue tradition, rooted in his family’s Hemingway, South Carolina restaurant, now reaches communities that may never have experienced authentic Carolina barbecue. This mirrors other regional barbecue movements, like the cultural smokeshow in Auburn, where pitmasters are preserving and sharing traditional techniques.
The collection includes unexpected items like Hot Honey Fried Pork Rinds and Black Tea & Lemonade. These introduce shoppers to the full spectrum of Southern food culture.
The timing coincides perfectly with peak grilling season. This positions Scott’s products as essential tools for summer cookouts. Whether someone is attempting their first barbecue or seasoning their hundredth brisket, the line provides authentic flavor profiles. These reflect decades of pitmaster expertise.
The collaboration signals a broader trend. Regional American cuisines are gaining national recognition through strategic retail partnerships, from midtown South food innovations to Southern barbecue traditions. This ensures culinary traditions reach new audiences while maintaining their authentic character.
