Open Pit is one of the most popular and beloved barbecue sauces in the United States. With its distinctive sweet and tangy flavor profile, Open Pit BBQ sauce has been a backyard grilling staple for decades. But with so many stores and online retailers available, many barbecue aficionados find themselves wondering: who sells Open Pit BBQ sauce?
This complete guide will cover everything you need to know about buying Open Pit barbecue sauce in stores and online. We’ll provide tips on finding the best deals, product availability at major retailers, and go over some of the most popular Open Pit sauce flavors. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to look to stock up on this timeless condiment and elevate your next cookout spread!
An Overview of Open Pit BBQ Sauce
First, let’s start with a quick overview of the Open Pit brand and their famous barbecue sauce:
- History: Open Pit Original BBQ Sauce was created in the 1950s by two Greek immigrant brothers, Nick and Paul Tzakis, in Midland, Texas. The Tzakis brothers opened a small barbecue restaurant called “Tzakis Barbeque.” Their sauce proved so popular with customers that they eventually began bottling and selling it under the name “Open Pit” in 1957.
- Flavors: The classic Open Pit sauce has a tangy, molasses-like flavor and moderate sweetness. In addition to the Original, Open Pit makes a Sweet Heat Chile & Honey sauce, a Smokey Mesquite version, and more.
- Uses: Open Pit can be used to sauce or glaze everything from grilled chicken, ribs, and pork to burgers and hot dogs. It’s a versatile all-purpose barbecue sauce that works for cooking or dipping.
Now that you know a bit about Open Pit, let’s jump into all the places you can buy it!
Grocery Stores That Sell Open Pit BBQ Sauce
The most convenient and affordable way to buy Open Pit barbecue sauce is at your local grocery store. Here are some of the major supermarket chains that carry Open Pit products:
Walmart
As the largest grocery retailer in the country, Walmart stocks Open Pit barbecue sauce at nearly all locations. You can usually find around 3-4 different Open Pit varieties near the ketchup and sauce aisle. Walmart offers competitive pricing on Open Pit; expect to pay around $2-3 per 18-20 oz bottle.
Kroger
Major grocery chain Kroger and its subsidiaries (like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, etc.) sell several Open Pit flavors. Kroger locations with a large sauce selection will carry the Original, Sweet & Smoky, and Chili & Honey Open Pit sauces. Kroger runs frequent sales and discounts on Open Pit, so keep an eye out for deals.
Safeway
Most Safeway supermarkets, especially in the western and southwestern United States, stock Open Pit barbecue sauce. Prices are similar to other major chains, typically $2-3 per bottle. You can often find buy one, get one (BOGO) promotions on Open Pit sauce at Safeway.
Albertsons
Albertsons stores across the United States have Open Pit Original barbecue sauce on shelves in the condiment aisles. As a bonus, many Albertsons locations also carry the less common Open Pit Smokey Mesquite and Sweet Heat flavors. Watch for discounts and clip any applicable coupons for Open Pit products when shopping at Albertsons.
H-E-B
The Texas-based supermarket chain H-E-B has a good selection of Open Pit barbecue sauce available at affordable prices. Given Open Pit’s Texas roots, H-E-B stores typically stock the full range of sauce flavors. H-E-B’s weekly digital coupons will sometimes include Open Pit savings.
Other Chains
In addition to the above major chains, Open Pit barbecue sauce can also be purchased at Hy-Vee, Meijer, Food Lion, ShopRite, Winn-Dixie, Piggly Wiggly, Publix, and many other regional supermarket chains throughout the US.
Discount Stores With Open Pit BBQ Sauce Deals
If you’re looking for rock-bottom prices on Open Pit barbecue sauce, check out these discount grocery and warehouse stores:
Dollar General
True to its name, Dollar General sells an 18 oz bottle of Original Open Pit barbecue sauce for just $1. This makes Dollar General one of the cheapest places to buy it. selection is limited to the Original flavor, but the price can’t be beat!
Dollar Tree
Similar to Dollar General, Dollar Tree has incredible deals on Open Pit barbecue sauce. Most locations have the standard 18 oz Original flavor in stock for only $1. Open Pit isn’t always available since Dollar Tree has a rotating inventory, so stock up when you see it.
Costco
For buying Open Pit sauce in bulk, check Costco. They sell two-packs of the massive 34 oz jugs. Though the upfront cost is higher (around $9 for two), the per-ounce cost is lower. This makes Costco a smart option for large households that go through a lot of barbecue sauce.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club offers similar bulk pricing and sizes on Open Pit as rival warehouse chain Costco. Expect to pay around $9 for two 34 oz containers. Sam’s Club also sometimes has coupons available for Open Pit in their monthly Savings Books.
Big Lots
Occasionally you can score deals on Open Pit sauce at discount retailer Big Lots. Pricing and selection varies by location and timing, but it’s worth checking if you have a Big Lots nearby. When available, expect discounts of 30-50% off typical grocery store prices.
Specialty Stores With Open Pit BBQ Sauce
Some specialty food stores and butcher shops also carry Open Pit:
BBQ Restaurants
Check with local barbecue joints and restaurants that focus on grilled meats. Many will sell bottles of sauce for customers to take home, and Open Pit is a popular option. For example, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations have Open Pit bottles for sale.
Butcher Shops
Independent butcher shops and meat markets, especially ones with smoking and grilling options, tend to sell a variety of sauces including Open Pit. Support small business and pick up a bottle next time you visit a butcher shop.
Hot Sauce Shops
Retail stores that specialize in hot sauces, barbecue sauces, seasonings, and jerky sometimes have Open Pit available. Although it’s not spicy, Open Pit fits with the barbecue and grilling theme of these specialty shops.
Farmers Markets
Look for Open Pit at local food and farmers markets. Independent vendors will often sell a selection of gourmet sauces. The availability varies by region and market.
Military Base Commissaries
For military members and their families, Open Pit barbecue sauce is commonly stocked at commissaries and exchanges on U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine bases. Pricing is very reasonable too.
Where to Buy Open Pit BBQ Sauce Online
Can’t find Open Pit sauce locally? Shopping online opens up many more options:
Amazon
The most popular and convenient place to buy Open Pit barbecue sauce online is Amazon. They offer all the standard flavors, along with some harder to find varieties, with prices competitive with grocery stores. Amazon Prime members can get free shipping too.
Walmart.com
Walmart has Open Pit barbecue sauce available on their website for online grocery orders and delivery. This makes it easy to get common flavors like Original and Sweet & Smoky delivered right to your door.
Jet.com
Jet.com, owned by Walmart, is another good option for reasonable shipping rates on Open Pit barbecue sauce. They also let you save more if you opt out of free returns.
Saucey
Specialized site Saucey.com has the full range of Open Pit sauces available to ship. Their selection includes unique flavors like Georgia Peach and Bourbon Molasses Burn that can be hard to find in stores.
Target
Order Open Pit sauce through Target’s website for same-day pickup or delivery if you’d rather not enter the store. Selection is limited compared to grocery stores, but it’s convenient.
eBay
eBay sellers offer a huge variety of Open Pit barbecue sauce flavors, including discontinued and limited edition varieties. Just be aware that prices can be inflated compared to buying direct from retailers.
How to Get the Best Deals on Open Pit BBQ Sauce
Here are some tips and strategies for getting the lowest prices when stocking up on Open Pit barbecue sauce:
- Watch for sales, coupons, and promotions at major grocery store chains
- Compare unit pricing and buy in bulk at warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club
- Buy the 18 oz bottles at dollar stores when available
- Look for discount bargains at Big Lots, Ollie’s, and liquidation retailers
- Purchase larger industrial-sized bottles at restaurant supply stores
- Join loyalty programs and use rewards apps to earn discounts on groceries
- Buy extra bottles when Open Pit goes on sale and store for later
- Mix and match flavors when Open Pit is offered in multi-pack deals
With the wide range of stores that sell Open Pit barbecue sauce, a little shopping around goes a long way. Follow these tips and you’ll never run out of this backyard grilling staple. Open Pit’s signature sweet and tangy flavor takes burgers, ribs, wings, and more to the next level. Now get ready to fire up the grill, and don’t forget to pick up your favorite Open Pit BBQ sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Open Pit BBQ Sauce
Let’s answer some of the most common questions people have about purchasing Open Pit barbecue sauce:
Is Open Pit barbecue sauce sold in Canada?
Yes, Open Pit barbecue sauce is widely available at grocery stores throughout Canada. Major retailers like Walmart Canada, Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro, and Superstore stock it. The selection is typically limited to the Original and Sweet & Smoky flavors.
What’s the most popular Open Pit barbecue sauce flavor?
By far, the Original Open Pit sauce is the most popular. The Original makes up around 70% of Open Pit’s sales. After Original, the Sweet & Smoky and Chili & Honey varieties are the next best sellers.
How much does Open Pit barbecue sauce cost?
The regular retail price for a standard 18-20 oz bottle of Open Pit sauce ranges from $2-3 at most stores. Large 34 oz bottles sell for around $5-6. Dollar stores offer the best values at just $1 per smaller bottle.
Does Costco sell Open Pit barbecue sauce?
Yes, Costco warehouses sell 2-packs of the extra large 34 oz plastic jugs of Open Pit Original barbecue sauce for around $9 total. This offers a lower per-ounce cost compared to standard bottles.
Where can I buy Open Pit barbecue sauce in bulk?
The best places to buy high volumes of Open Pit barbecue sauce are warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club. Restaurant supply stores also offer large gallon jugs and industrial-sized #10 cans of sauce for food service businesses.
Is Open Pit barbecue sauce gluten-free?
Open Pit Original barbecue sauce contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. However, Open Pit’s Smokey Mesquite and Sweet Heat flavors are certified gluten-free sauces. Always check labels since formulations can change.
What is Open Pit barbecue sauce made from?
The main ingredients in Open Pit Original barbecue sauce are tomato puree, high fructose corn syrup, distilled vinegar, molasses, modified food starch, potatoes, corn syrup, salt, and spices.
Does Open Pit need to be refrigerated after opening?
Refrigeration is not required after opening, because the high acidity and preservatives help prevent bacterial growth. But for maximum shelf life and fresh taste, it’s best to refrigerate Open Pit sauce after opening.
Final Thoughts
Open Pit remains one of America’s favorite condiments for good reason – the sweet, tangy flavor is just right for grilled meats and sandwiches. Luckily, Open Pit barbecue sauce is widely available at grocery stores, warehouse retailers, dollar stores, and more. Shop sales, buy in bulk, and compare deals to stock up and save. With so many purchasing options, you can keep plenty of Open Pit Original, Sweet & Smoky, Chili & Honey, or other flavors on hand for all your summertime cookouts and tailgates. Use this guide to buy Open Pit no matter where you live or your budget. The next time you fire up the grill, be sure to slather your meats with this time-tested barbecue sauce!