Our Story
Tim Pattan created Pee Dee River Swamp Sauce in 2003 while on a quest to create a unique sauce that blends together the qualities of vinegar, mustard, and tomato-based sauces. Named for the Pee Dee River that runs through his hometown of Rockingham, NC, Swamp Sauce has been a local favorite for over two decades. Tim's wife, Julia, and their three girls, Bethany, Natalie, and Rachel, have been there every step away showing their support and being Tim's favorite taste-testers.
Swamp Sauce paved the way for Tim and the Swamp Sauce Smokers cook team to compete in roughly 25 Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) competitions from 2004 to 2010. In that time, Swamp Sauce Smokers won four grand championships, two reserve grand champions, and had several more top ten finishes. Along with numerous first place and top five finishes in the four KCBS categories of chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket, the team also competed and won several ancillary competitions. Most notably was their first place finish in the Anything Butt category in Greenwood, SC in 2010. That dish later became the top selling item in their restaurant, The Pattan Special.
From 2015 to 2023, Tim and Julia owned and operated Pattan's Downtown Grille, their restaurant in Rockingham. Pattan's showcased Tim's culinary artistry and became a place where locals and travelers alike could enjoy top-notch barbecue in a small town.
Since the closing of Pattan's, Tim and Julia have focused on spending time with their girls and enjoying life at a slower pace. They are excited to continue producing Swamp Sauce and sharing recipes. Swamp Sauce has been at the center of many Pattan family events and it is sure to bring joy to yours as well!
