The BBQ Joint started when Texas natives, Tim and Sonna Ryan, brought their love of real Texas-style BBQ up to Oak Harbor in 2006. What began as a simple idea and post-retirement plan, quickly grew into something bigger.

In 2011, their daughter Courtney moved to Washington and joined the restaurant. Her kids, Hallie and Hudson, grew up around the pits and counters, helping wherever they could. The restaurant become more of a second home than a workplace.

Along the way, friends continued to become family. One of Courtney's first friends on Whidbey, Kyla, was a regular long before she was part of the team. After spending a few years stationed in England (with a distinct lack of bbq), Kyla returned to Whidbey and joined the restaurant in 2015, and has been part of the family ever since. Her three kids have grown up in that restaurant and all plan to help out as soon as they are old enough, which isn't too much longer now!

In 2022, Ava started working here as a high schooler. Her family and the Ryans had been tied together for a long time and Courtney remembered how much Ava's grandpa had adored her, so bringing her in felt so right from the very beginning. It wasn't long before her mama, Randi, started stepping in to help when needed. That backup plan quickly turned into something more permanent, and Randi accidentally found herself right at home alongside the rest of the crew.

In 2024, Tim and Sonna were ready to retire (again) and entrusted the care of our family home, The BBQ Joint, to Courtney, Kyla, and Randi. Our little family restaurant has continued to grow as a place where generations, friendship, and community come together. We have met so many amazing people along the way that we still carry in our hearts, whether or not we still have them here on earth, and are thankful for the people who come gather at our tables.