What does it take to turn a backyard smoker into one of the most recognizable restaurant brands in Arkansas?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Jordan Wright, founder of Wright’s Barbecue, to talk about the humble beginnings, explosive growth, and unwavering values behind one of Northwest Arkansas’s most beloved food businesses. From late nights at a food truck pop-up to serving Arkansas governors and Razorback football fans, Jordan has built more than a restaurant, he’s built a brand that represents quality, consistency, and community.

If you’re building something from scratch or dreaming of scaling your side hustle into a full-time operation, this episode is a masterclass in vision, grit, and the power of staying true to your roots.

Summary

Wright’s started as a side project - Jordan cooking brisket for friends in his backyard - and with no formal culinary background or restaurant training, he took a leap of faith, renting a gas station kitchen and cooking through the night. Word spread fast, and what began as a simple meat trailer became a local sensation with multiple brick-and-mortar locations and a cult-like following.

As the business grew, so did the pressure. Jordan shares how he’s learned to lead, delegate, and build a team that shares his passion for excellence. From hiring his first employee to building a company culture rooted in hospitality, humility, and hard work, Jordan talks about what it takes to maintain consistency while scaling fast.

Whether it's feeding Razorback athletes or expanding into tailgating, catering, and branded merchandise, Jordan has made Wright’s more than a barbecue joint: it’s become part of the culture in Arkansas. He opens up about the creative process, the mistakes that taught him the most, and what’s next for a brand that shows no signs of slowing down.

Highlights

00:00 –Starting Wright's BBQ

15:00 – The early days

30:00 – Opening the original location

45:00 – Growing into multiple stores and Razorback partnerships

1:00:00 – What Jordan looks for when hiring and creating culture at Wright’s BBQ

1:15:00 – The bigger vision

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Go all in even if it’s not perfect - Jordan didn’t wait for a business plan or investor he just started with what he had and let the work speak for itself.
2. Your product only matters if your people are aligned - Great barbecue got Wright’s noticed but a strong team and culture are what made it last.
3. Grow the brand, not just the business - Wright’s success isn’t just about brisket it’s about building something people believe in, wear, and want to bring home.

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