The Story Behind the 3rd Place Burger
September 17, 2025 | by Leigh Ann Akard
A few years ago, Brad Thomas, family-owner of Jawbone BBQ in Advance, entered a BBQ cooking competition. This was long before opening Jawbone in Advance, IN. He spent months working with friends and family to create the perfect recipe for the contest entry. They experimented with countless combinations to find the ideal one.
Competition was fierce, with many reputable restaurants participating and professional food judges evaluating the entries. The contest day was significant, with videos and photos capturing the preparation of their entry. Winning third place was a substantial achievement, especially since they competed against some of their favorite restaurants and admired chefs.
This success became a turning point for Brad, prompting him to question, “Why haven’t I tried to make all of our food better?” It spurred him to explore how to elevate their entire menu when opening Jawbone BBQ.
Since opening Jawbone BBQ in 2019 with his family, Brad and his team have worked diligently to improve every item on the menu. Each dish has a story, such as his mother’s pulled chicken recipe, a family favorite since 1981. The entire team contributes family favorite recipes, making the menu unique and personal.
Be sure to visit Jawbone BBQ to try the “3rd Place Burger” and explore the rest of their menu. Jawbone BBQ is located at 103 West Wall, Advance, IN, and is open from 10:30 am to 2 pm every day except Sunday. Follow them on Facebook for special events, evening hours, and new menu items.
