Smokin’ Bros Rubs & Seasonings: Flavor with a Purpose

The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) is proud to have the support of Smokin’ Bros Rubs & Seasonings, a Minnesota-based, correctional-inspired business that continues to give back to correctional professionals and their families with every bottle sold.

Smokin’ Bros was founded by individuals with 19 years of service within the Minnesota Department of Corrections, bringing firsthand experience and deep respect for the correctional profession into everything they do. Their journey into barbecue began in 2009 through BBQ competitions, where they developed and refined the seasoning blends that would later become the foundation of their business.

In 2016, Smokin’ Bros expanded into a BBQ catering operation, which they successfully ran until 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought catering to a halt. Rather than stepping away, they pivoted — taking the seasonings they had perfected over years of competitions and catering and making them available to the public.

Today, Smokin’ Bros offers 15 unique seasoning flavors, each creatively named with correctional-themed inspiration and paired with fun, eye-catching artwork. What truly sets them apart is their commitment to giving back: a portion of every bottle sold is donated to the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, helping support correctional professionals, including those working in juvenile and adult settings, during times of crisis.

The connection to CPOF began through Connie Bush, who worked at Oak Park Heights Maximum Security Prison, and made Smokin’ Bros aware of the Foundation. After learning more about CPOF’s mission, Smokin’ Bros reached out to Glenn Mueller, a founder of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation and its longest-tenured Chairman, who was born and raised in Minnesota.

What began as a conversation about giving back quickly grew into a meaningful relationship rooted in shared values. Glenn strongly supported what Smokin’ Bros was building and their desire to give back to correctional professionals and their families. The two spoke regularly, sharing ideas and encouragement, and Glenn’s belief in their efforts helped reinforce Smokin’ Bros’ ongoing support of CPOF — support that continues today through their generous contributions.

CPOF is grateful for supporters like Smokin’ Bros Rubs & Seasonings, whose creativity, dedication, and generosity continue to make a meaningful difference for correctional professionals and their families.