Ocala's Big Lee's BBQ Owner Stars in National TikTok Commercial

Rashad Jones, the owner and pitmaster of Big Lee's BBQ in Ocala, is taking his local barbecue success to a national stage. A new 30-second commercial featuring Jones is currently airing across North America, showcasing the Ocala business owner and his journey on TikTok.

The commercial, titled "Rashad Jones BBQ," highlights how Jones built a following of over 308,000 TikTok followers by sharing authentic interactions with customers at his restaurant. The ad follows Jones's appearance on ABC's Good Morning America in July, where he sat down with co-host Lara Spencer during a TikTok-sponsored segment on small business creators.

The Ocala resident has become one of the most recognizable pitmasters in Florida through his combination of competition-style barbecue and genuine community engagement. His TikTok videos show everything from slow-smoked brisket to everyday interactions with regular customers, giving viewers an authentic look behind the counter of his restaurant.

From Food Trucks to National Television

Jones opened his first brick-and-mortar Big Lee's BBQ location in Ocala in 2023, expanding from a fleet of food trucks that served customers across Marion County. His social media presence grew organically, with Jones focusing on authenticity and genuine connections with his customers.

"I built a network on TikTok through just focusing on authenticity and the genuineness of interacting with my customers," Jones explained during the Good Morning America broadcast. "We're having folks travel from all around the world to Ocala, Florida, to check out our food and our Big Lee's tea."

A 500-Day Journey

Jones marked the commercial release with a social media post on September 14th, noting it came exactly 500 days after his first TikTok post.

"One post. One dream. One step of faith. And somehow, that journey led to filming a commercial with TikTok that will air across North America," Jones wrote. "On Day 1, being in a TikTok commercial airing throughout North America was the furthest thing from my mind. I just knew I had to take the first step."

Television Success

The TikTok commercial adds to an extensive list of television appearances for the Ocala businessman. In May, Jones made history on the Food Network during the premiere of the seventh season of BBQ Brawl, returning as the first-ever former "brawler" and "Master of 'Cue" invited back to sit at the judges' table. Days prior, he served as a guest judge on Beat Bobby Flay, maintaining a perfect 2-0 competitive record against the celebrity chef.

His other television appearances include cooking on Access Daily with Mario Lopez, co-hosting a segment of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives alongside Guy Fieri, and guest appearances on Best Bite in Town, Eat Sleep BBQ, and Guy's Grocery Games.

Growing Ocala's Food Scene

Big Lee's BBQ has become a destination restaurant, drawing customers from across Florida and beyond to the Ocala area. The business represents the growing food scene in Marion County, where local entrepreneurs are finding ways to stand out in a competitive market.

For Ocala small businesses looking to grow their reach, having a strong online presence has become essential. Whether it's social media strategy or a professional website, businesses that invest in their digital footprint can reach customers beyond their immediate neighborhood—just as Big Lee's BBQ has demonstrated.

The story of Big Lee's BBQ shows what is possible when a local business combines quality products with authentic storytelling. From posting his first TikTok video 500 days ago to starring in a national commercial, Jones demonstrates how platforms like TikTok can help small businesses in Ocala reach audiences they never could before. His success on Good Morning America and the subsequent TikTok commercial have brought national attention to his Ocala restaurant.

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