Rolfe Rub started as a family secret and has grown into a kitchen essential, replacing the traditional salt and pepper.
The story began one December evening in 2014, when Jim Rolfe returned from a hunt with a bounty of ducks. Rather than shy away from the gamey meat, Jim’s wife, Mary K — a spirited Mississippi native who loves a challenge — decided to elevate their Christmas dinner with wild game. Pairing duck with venison, the couple knew they needed a bold seasoning to complement these rich flavors. Together, they began experimenting with spices, and Rolfe Rub was born.
After countless tweaks and taste tests with hungry family and friends, the perfect blend was achieved.
Then came the wedding of our son, Davis, to his wife Kimberly. The bride and groom gifted 200 bottles of Rolfe Rub to their guests as favors. After that, Jim declared, “We ain’t giving this stuff away anymore!”
And just like that, Rolfe Rub turned into a cottage business. An Instagram account soon followed, showcasing mouthwatering meals. What brought the most joy, though, were the photos shared by friends — and wedding guests — using the rub in their own cooking.
Today, the spice has become the star of nearly every Rolfe — and many other families' — meals.