Good Morning! 

Electric grill brand, Current Backyard, is targeting a brand new grill consumer. Rather than focusing on competing in the traditional grill market, they're going after early adopters that can't currently grill. I interviewed the GM of Current Backyard about their strategy and where electric grills are going.

Academy Sports reported earnings this week and the grill category has been good for them. They have been expanding geographies and filling in their current areas. Through their customer data they're drawing, and retaining, customers with an impressive assortment of grills, rubs, sauces, and accessories. This summer they have a marketing strategy that they believe ensures they'll take even more share of the market.

Sponsored By Franklin Barbecue Pits

Franklin Barbecue Pits, designed by famed Pit Master Aaron Franklin are built from heavy duty USA steel and made by craftsmen right here in the USA. For BBQ beginners and pros alike, its design and construction make it one of the best offset smokers for the backyard. And it will last for generations. Get yours at a BBQ dealer near you, or direct from Franklin if you don’t have a local dealer near you. We love and support local businesses, so if you’re a BBQ dealer that wants to carry Franklin BBQ Pit, please reach out!

Nexgrill released two new pellet grills in their Oakford smoker line. Selling exclusively at Home Depot, the new pellet grills go back to the basics. They ditch the latest tech for an analog controller and a respective low price.

Innovative pellet grill company Brisk It launched a new version of their AI powered app this week. Called Vera, it lets you use natural language to create recipes. An example they gave is you write "Smoke a prime rib roast and a whole chicken at the same time for 15 people, but avoid peanut". No idea why a whole chicken and a prime rib would have peanuts in the first place, but it will create you a recipe and if you screw up on your cook it will tell you how to correct it.

Last week we wrote about Z Grills buy 1 pellet grill get 10 pellet grills promo. In a follow-up, we heard from the company about how their strategy for the promo is brand building and it actually is profitable for them at the same time. They also said they will have some new innovations this month, and are looking at also adding AI into their controllers.

Finally, Vista Outdoor rejected MNC Capitals latest acquisition proposal, and did it with a slide deck detailing why they were rejecting it. Vista is in a good spot because in addition to their deal with CSG, they picked up another $2 billion offer this week for their Sporting Products division.

Happy Father's Day to the Dads Out There!

Wes Wright

Founder and CEO

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Sponsored By Big Green Egg

At Big Green Egg, we’re not just the best Kamado grill on the market; we are a lifestyle brand dedicated to enhancing outdoor entertaining. The Big Green Egg believes in bringing families, friends and neighbors together to cook over live-fire. Our “EGGhead” community of loyal fans create memories with the delicious and diverse food they can prepare on their Eggs. 

With a rich 50-year history and a strong presence as an iconic brand in the outdoor kitchen industry, we are committed to providing our customers with premium products and a seamless experience, both online and offline. And we are now hiring for our headquarters location in Atlanta!

We offer a fun work environment, with lots of food and BBQ (of course!), as well as competitive benefits, including a 401(k) match, medical and life insurance, to name a few. More detail on open roles in links below and/or click on this link to apply. 

Administrative Assistant to the CEO/HR Coordinator; Lead Mechanical Engineer; Lead User Researcher; Social Media Influencer Strategist; Sales Manager, West Coast