Low and Slow
Obsessed with fire, good smoke, and the craft of consistency.
A Hand-Me-Down Smoker & a Few Good Friends
Old Bruce J BBQ began with a hand-me-down smoker and a few friends obsessively gathering on weekends to play with meat over live fire. What started as a simple excuse to enjoy beers outdoors quickly transformed into a passion — and then into a community-loved business.
For over a decade, the Old Bruce J BBQ team has dedicated itself to learning, experimenting, and refining its techniques and recipes. After years of serving friends in the backyard, we officially launched in the winter of 2019. Since then, we've catered and hosted 300+ events, proudly serving what we call "Michigan-style barbeque."
The Michigan Way
Michigan's orchards help define our flavor. We smoke with local fruit woods like apple and cherry and incorporate regional ingredients, including fresh apple cider, throughout our menu.
Charcoal & Fruit Wood
Every cook is smoked over Kingsford charcoal and local fruit woods — the backbone of that clean, familiar flavor smoke profile.
Low & Slow
No shortcuts. Briskets, ribs, and pork get the hours they need so the bark sets and the smoke does its work.
Made for People
It always comes back to the gathering. We cook the food we'd want at our own table, for friends old and new.
Come Hungry. Leave Happy.
Ready to put Michigan-style barbeque on the table at your next event?