About

Willow Seasonings and Blends began in David Slade’s kitchen, inspired by his vision to create delicious rubs and sauces. Named after his granddaughter, David started with just Sweet Heat and Sweet Smoke. Over time, he expanded the lineup to include High Elevation, a Memphis-style rub, and Feisty Lime seasoning, alongside Sweet Thang and the 1859 Colorado Gold mustard sauces. In 2022, Sweet Heat won “Best Hot Rub on the Planet” at the American Royal, followed by a 3rd place finish for the Memphis-style rub in the pork seasoning category the next year.

While David was building a name for Willow Seasonings in the BBQ world, Frank Dominguez was launching a small BBQ supply store in Northern Colorado. David attended a rib competition hosted by Frank, where he shared a sample of Sweet Heat. Frank was immediately impressed, leading him to stock Willow Seasonings products in his store and use them in his own competitions. Other BBQ teams quickly followed, incorporating Willow Seasonings into their routines across Colorado.

As Frank’s business grew, Willow Seasonings became a staple, and a friendship developed between David and Frank through events and demos. In 2024, David shared his plans for retirement. Frank and his team, believing in the legacy David had built, decided they couldn’t let it fade away. In October 2024, Frank’s BBQ Trading Post became the official owner of Willow Seasonings and Blends. David had other offers but chose Frank for his commitment to keeping the brand’s name and recipes intact, ensuring the same beloved products continue to thrive. Frank’s BBQ Trading Post is excited to carry on this legacy and looks forward to the future of Willow Seasonings.