Customer Collaboration Success Story: Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Custom packaging to ensure safe delivery, branded message.
The Rusken Team is thrilled to highlight our partnership with Pihakis Restaurant Group (“PRG”) based in Birmingham, AL as their organization has continued to expand and flourish. PRG is home to some of the best restaurants in and around the Birmingham area, including Hero Doughnuts, Little Donkey, and the renowned Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ.
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ was the result of a close friendship between Rodney Scott and Nick Pihakis & their mutual passion for great barbecue. The first location was opened in Charleston, SC in 2017, with the second following in 2019 in Birmingham, AL. Plans for more restaurant locations are in the works – growth remains full steam ahead for the outstanding team, more commonly referred to as family, where their motto is “We are all family, spreading food, spreading love, and having fun.”
An award-winning Chef, Mr. Scott is the recipient of the 2018 James Beard Foundation’s award for Outstanding Chef Southeast. For Rodney, “every day is a good day,” and is reflected in the BBQ establishment’s positivity, attention to detail, and family atmosphere.
As Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ and PRG brand have gained recognition both regionally and nationally, they have recently opened an eCommerce shop, where you can find Rodney’s famous spice rubs and sauces, among other items. This is where the Rusken-Rodney Scott’s BBQ partnership began. Paul Liollio, Managing Partner at PRG Retail, reached out to the Rusken team in October of last year, seeking to collaborate on a custom packaging solution for their “Pitmaster Gift Box.” Paul’s packaging requirements included the need to securely hold Rodney’s sauce and rub bottle for shipping, while reflecting Rodney Scott’s BBQ unique brand.
With requirements clearly communicated, the collaboration ensued. The Rusken design and sales team got to work prototyping, including artwork, 3-D Visual mock-ups, and structural designs. With continuous feedback from Paul and the PRG team, we were collectively able to identify a solution – a Roll End Tuck Front Die Cut Tray with detailed inserts to secure the bottles, along with a branded design including quotes from Rodney to connect directly with their customers.
Following sign off on the design, we were able to successfully manufacture & deliver the first run of the custom Pitmaster Gift Box; and we are thrilled to announce it has been a hit on the Rodney Scott’s BBQ eCommerce site as a top three seller. We are extremely proud to have partnered with the PRG Retail and Rodney Scott’s BBQ teams and look forward to continuing to collaborate, growing together.
To learn more about Mr. Scott and his team, you can check out their profile in Season 1 of the Netflix Documentary Chef’s Table BBQ. And if you find yourself in Charleston or Birmingham, stop by for some world class barbeque!
About Rusken: Rusken is a dynamic, modern integrated packaging company with locations throughout the Southeast United States. With fourteen (14) facilities in seven (7) states, Rusken is a forward-looking regional organization. Headquartered in Cullman, Alabama, Rusken has experienced exponential growth over the last decade. This success is driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, focus on family-based values and a commitment to a truly remarkable customer experience. From standard corrugated boxes to highly customized packaging solutions that require robust design-work, colorful printing and hand finishing, the good people behind the Rusken name are passionate about quality, delivery and customer smiles.
