5 Shocking Things To Know About Fruita Wood And BBQ Supply’s New Era In 2025
The world of high-quality barbecue (BBQ) wood has been buzzing with news, and one of the most respected names in the industry, Fruita Wood and BBQ Supply, is at the center of a major transition. As of late 2025, the beloved company, known for its premium, naturally cured wood chunks, has officially entered a new chapter under fresh ownership, following the well-deserved retirement of its original founder. This article dives into the latest, most up-to-date information on what this change means for pitmasters, home grillers, and the future of the brand that has been a staple in the Colorado BBQ scene and beyond for over a decade and a half.
For 16 years, Fruita Wood and BBQ Supply cultivated a loyal following by focusing on quality and exceptional customer service, making it a premier destination for smoking wood and grilling equipment. Now, with the change finalized in 2025, the focus is on maintaining that legacy while introducing new energy and expertise to an already established operation. The following list breaks down the most critical updates you need to know about this iconic supplier.
The Complete Transition: Founder's Retirement and New Ownership Details
The biggest news surrounding the company is the official retirement of the long-time founder and owner, Bert. After 16 successful years of providing high-quality smoking wood to enthusiasts across the country, Bert announced his decision to close the doors of the brick-and-mortar store and website, effective April 15th, 2025.
However, the story didn't end there. The legacy of premium wood chunks lives on through a successful acquisition. In a move that reassured countless loyal customers, the business—specifically the renowned "Fruita Wood Chunks" brand—was purchased by the Midroy family in April 2025. This transition was particularly smooth and meaningful, as the Midroy family were already trusted wood suppliers to Bert, guaranteeing a deep understanding of the product and the company’s core values.
The new owners have an impressive background, bringing over 13 years of experience in the competitive BBQ industry to the table. This expertise is crucial for maintaining the high standards of quality and service that pitmasters have come to expect from the Fruita Wood name. The continuity of quality and the commitment to the brand's original ethos are top priorities for the new management.
1. The Midroy Family: New Leadership with Deep BBQ Roots
The change in ownership from the original founder, Bert, to the Midroy family is a game-changer for the future of the brand. The Midroy family’s connection to the business is not just transactional; they were integral suppliers to Bert, meaning they understand the stringent quality control required for premium smoking wood. Their 13 years of experience in the BBQ industry provides a solid foundation for innovation while respecting the traditions of the Fruita Wood brand. This deep-seated knowledge is vital for sourcing and preparing the naturally cured wood that gives the company its edge in the market.
The transition ensures that the products remain authentic and slow-burning, which is essential for enhancing the flavor of any BBQ. Customers can expect the same commitment to excellence and knowledgeable staff that defined the company's previous era. The new leadership is focused on making the online experience seamless and reliable, ensuring that high-quality wood chunks are accessible to everyone, from the casual backyard griller to the seasoned competition pitmaster.
2. Focus on Premium, Naturally Cured Wood Chunks
While the business has historically offered a diverse selection of grilling equipment, rubs, and accessories, the new era is doubling down on the core product that made Fruita Wood famous: the smoking wood chunks. The company specializes in premium, naturally cured BBQ wood chunks, which are designed to elevate your grilling and smoking experience. The quality of the wood—its freshness, fragrance, and slow-burning properties—is what truly sets it apart from mass-market alternatives.
The extensive variety of smoking woods remains a key selling point. Enthusiasts can still find unique and popular options, ensuring topical authority in the wood-sourcing niche. Popular wood types include:
- Bourbon Barrel Wood: Perfect for adding a rich, complex, and boozy flavor to beef and pork.
- Peach Wood: A delicate, sweet smoke ideal for poultry and fish.
- Hickory and Mesquite: The traditional favorites for classic barbecue flavor.
- Cherry and Apple: Excellent for blending and achieving a milder, fruity smoke profile.
This commitment to a wide variety of high-quality wood ensures that every customer, regardless of their preferred smoker or grilling style, can find the perfect fuel for their next cookout. The emphasis on naturally cured wood is a testament to the brand's dedication to flavor purity.
3. What Happened to the Brick-and-Mortar Store in Colorado?
For those who frequented the physical location in the Grand Junction/Fruita, CO area, the transition brought significant changes. The original owner, Bert, retired and closed the physical doors of the Fruita Wood and BBQ Supply store in early 2025. This decision marked the end of an era for the local Colorado BBQ community, which had relied on the store for its extensive variety of smoking woods and knowledgeable, in-person customer service.
However, the focus has successfully shifted to the online platform, FruitaWoodChunks.com, which is now fully operational under the Midroy family's management. While the local, physical presence may have changed, the ability to purchase the same high-quality products remains intact through a robust e-commerce experience. This move allows the new ownership to streamline operations and focus on national distribution, ensuring pitmasters everywhere can still access the premium wood they love.
4. Maintaining the High Standard of Customer Service
One of the most frequently praised aspects of the original Fruita Wood and BBQ Supply was its excellent customer service and the knowledgeable staff. Reviews from late 2024 and early 2025 consistently highlighted the positive interactions with Bert and his crew. The new ownership is acutely aware that customer loyalty is built on more than just product quality; it's also about the experience.
The Midroy family, with their years of industry insight, is committed to maintaining this high standard. They understand that barbecue is a passion, and customers often need advice on the best wood pairings for different meats, smoker types, and cooking times. The goal is to provide the same level of expertise and personal care, whether you are placing a small order of Peach Wood chunks or stocking up on a variety of smoking wood for a competition season.
5. The Future of Fruita Wood: Expansion and Reliability
The transition to new ownership in 2025 signals a period of stability and potential expansion for the Fruita Wood Chunks brand. With the Midroy family at the helm, the company is poised to leverage its 13 years of BBQ experience to enhance its product offerings and distribution network. The focus on naturally cured wood and premium quality will continue to be the foundation of the business, ensuring reliability for the Pitmaster Club community and general consumers alike.
The new era is about ensuring that the legacy of quality smoking wood remains a reliable source for the grilling community. By specializing in their core competence—the wood chunks—the new owners are positioning Fruita Wood Chunks for long-term success, cementing its place as a trusted name in the competitive world of BBQ supply. The future looks smoky and bright, promising the same fragrant, fresh wood that has been a secret weapon for countless award-winning barbecue cooks.
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