Competition success leads to successful family business...

    “Its not just BBQ, its Boomers BBQ,”says the owner of Boomer Sooner BBQ and Catering  in Carthage , Missouri.  And there really is a difference.  Married now for 18 years, Willy and Jill Waggoner have perfected a recipe for success in both cooking and running a business.

    The young couple began their food service career by entering BBQ competitions and bringing home several awards.  In the first year they competed, the Waggoners were ranked in the top 13% of the American Royal BBQ in Kansas City which features approximately 500 teams.

    Of course with success came several requests for their cooking at family reunions, weddings and other special occasions.  Before they knew it, Willy and Jill were in a catering business which led to their first public location—a 40 foot trailer/restaurant.

    The first full service, set down restaurant opened its doors in January of 2005. As one might expect from the name, Boomers BBQ is decorated with Oklahoma University items including pictures of Hiesman Trophy winners from OU, famous linebacker Brian Bozworth and a personal friend of Willy, Jeff Tupper who started on the defensive line for the 1985 National Championship team.

    Mixed in among the OU memorabilia is all the awards won by the Waggoners in BBQ competitions.
Due to the popularity and success of their business, the Waggoners are a busy family.  But BBQ isn’t all they do.  Willy and Jill, a second grade teacher, still find time to keep up with two children: Daughter Demi, who shares her time with dad at the restaurant and all her other activities such as softball, track, volleyball and band: and 7 year old Dylan, better known as “Boomer”, who was kind enough to lend his nickname to the family business. Together, the family still tries to make it to Norman, Oklahoma for a game now and then.

    Tried and true OU fans, Willy says that you don’t have to be a Sooner fan to enjoy his BBQ.  “One of my best friends is a Texas Longhorn,” he explains. “I have a lot of great customers who are fans of many different schools.”   Boomer Sooner BBQ and Catering LLC is located at 1220 Oak Street in Carthage, Missouri.

    Specializing in smoked meats their number one specialty is ribs, but regardless your meal, the Waggoners ask just one thing:  “If you enjoyed your meal, tell others.  If not please tell us.  We strive for perfection at Boomers.”