Holland, Michigan · Est. 2026

We smoke pretzels the slow way. Twice. On purpose.

We're Ryan & Holly — a family running a wood pellet smoker in Holland, Michigan, because we figured out early that liquid smoke is just a shortcut wearing a costume. Everything we've built since has followed that same rule: do it right, even when the easy version would sell just as well.

Meet the Family Shop the Bundles
Photo: Ryan pulling a tray off the smoker
Small-batch · Family-run
Photo: the whole family at a vendor show
How this got started

One question from a friend, and a lot of trial and error after.

Ryan's wanted to cook for people since he was a kid — not a hobby, a calling. A friend asked him one day, "Have you ever smoked pretzels?" He hadn't. So he fired up the smoker, ran a small batch, and knew right away there was something real here. Months of testing flavors and technique later, that batch became Garlic Parmesan — and Garlic Parmesan became Back 40 BBQ.

Serve the community and make food that brings people together.

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RyanCooking · Operations

Runs the smoker and works every show.

HollyFinance · Booth Design

Keeps the books and the plan honest.

Kaylin, 15Cooking · Packaging

Runs her own station at shows now.

Lily, 8Head Taste Tester

An official title. She takes it seriously.

Why we show up

This was never just about the pretzels.

The name "back 40" is the part of the farm where the real work happens — no audience, no applause. We didn't start this to build a pretzel brand. We started it to show up for our town, and the pretzels are how we get in the door.

01

Vendor Shows & Markets

Farmers markets, church fundraisers, school events, and local festivals around West Michigan — that's where we actually built this business.

02

West Michigan Sourcing

Real Amish butter. Legacy bourbon distilled in Hudsonville. When a neighbor can supply it instead of a distributor, that's who we call.

03

Built for Bigger Tables

Catering, a food truck, eventually a storefront — every step we take is aimed at feeding more of this community, not just growing a brand.

Run a market, a fundraiser, or a school event in Holland? We'd genuinely like to hear about it.

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What's actually in the bag

Three flavors. Smoked twice. No liquid smoke, ever.

A butter binder, a trip through the smoker, a seasoning coat, then a second trip through the smoker. There isn't a shortcut version of this.

Garlic Parmesan
The Original

Garlic Parmesan

Real roasted garlic, fresh micro-grated parmesan and pecorino romano. The batch that started all of this.

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Maple Bourbon
Most Popular

Maple Bourbon

Sweet maple up front, Legacy bourbon from Hudsonville sneaking in underneath. Smooth, not boozy.

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White Cheddar Jalapeño
Most Unique

White Cheddar Jalapeño

Sharp white cheddar first, then a heat that builds and backs off right before you decide you want more.

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Build Your Own Bundle

Mix and match all three flavors. 4oz bags start at $8, 8oz bags start at $15.

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2026

Founded in Holland, MI

2×

Smoked, not sprayed — twice

100%

Pecan wood, no liquid smoke

4

Family members on the payroll