Bacon with Soul: How Billy Stitt Turned a Southern Tradition into a National Sensation
Bacon may be a breakfast classic, but for William “Billy” Stitt, it’s much more than a side dish—it’s a craft, a calling, and a movement. From humble beginnings in a roadhouse kitchen to leading one of the most talked-about artisanal bacon brands in America, Stitt’s story is proof that passion, patience, and purpose can transform even the simplest foods into something extraordinary.
In a recent episode of Industry Ignited, host Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sat down with Stitt to explore his journey, his meticulous process, and his vision for spreading “bacon with soul” across the country.
From Butcher’s Lessons to a Brand Vision
Stitt’s love for bacon started young. As a teenager, he learned from a local butcher in Mississippi who emphasized respect for the animal, proper feeding, and natural processes—long before “farm-to-table” was trendy.
That early influence shaped the philosophy behind Billy’s Small Batch Bacon, which prioritizes animal care, clean ingredients, and traditional methods. Even back in college, Stitt dreamed of building a brand around his name—complete with bacon, bourbon, and beer. Years later, after leaving the corporate restaurant world, he finally brought that dream to life.
The Eight-Day Process
Unlike mass-produced bacon injected with liquid smoke, Billy’s bacon is hand-cured for eight days with brown sugar, salt, and patience before it enters the smoker. The result is a product that takes 10 to 12 days from start to finish—labor-intensive, but worth it.
And yes, his bacon is literally serenaded by musicians at his restaurant in Fairhope, Alabama. Local songwriters play while the meat cures, earning a coveted sticker that declares: “I serenaded the bacon at Billy’s.”
“It’s a rite of passage,” Stitt laughs. “But I don’t sing to it myself—the bacon would taste terrible if I did.”
Scaling with Integrity
Growing an artisanal product into a national brand hasn’t been easy. Higher costs slowed early adoption, but partnerships with restaurants, hotels, and distributors helped open doors. Packaging became part of the magic too—wrapped like a gift in brown butcher paper, each package of Billy’s bacon looks as good as it tastes.
Today, Billy’s Small Batch Bacon can be found in specialty markets, restaurants, and through national distributors like US Foods and Benny Keith. Distribution may be expanding, but the handcrafted process remains non-negotiable. “We just add more smokers,” Stitt says. “Everything is still small batch, by hand.”
More Than Bacon: A Lifestyle and Community
For Stitt, bacon is also about connection. His restaurant hosts “Bacon, Burgers, and Bikes” nights, drawing motorcycle riders and raising thousands for local charities. He believes in giving back, not just with money but with time, energy, and a smile.
He also emphasizes the importance of self-care. After losing 82 pounds, he found new energy as a leader, entrepreneur, and father. “Taking care of yourself makes you better at everything else—better dad, better friend, better businessperson,” he reflects.
Advice for Aspiring Artisans
For entrepreneurs hoping to scale handcrafted products, Stitt offers this advice:
Take notes and perfect your process. Consistency is everything.
Don’t fear failure. Learn from it, pivot, and keep going.
Build a team. “You can’t do it alone. Find people who believe in you.”
Stay true to your recipe. Growth should never compromise quality.
What’s Next for Billy’s?
From pork belly bites to bacon-blended burgers, new products are on the horizon. And with his playful branding—like “Billy’s Bold Adventure Bacon”—Stitt envisions his products fueling everyone from chefs and foodies to motorcyclists and ski adventurers.
At the end of the day, though, his mission remains simple: create bacon with integrity, soul, and joy.
“Always give back. And always believe in yourself. When you pour your heart into your craft, people can feel it—and in my case, they taste it too.”
Listen to the full episode.
Interested in being featured on the podcast? Reach out to podcast@industryignited.com
