An Ocala business owner known for his barbecue creations continues to solidify his status as an international culinary star after being featured in a segment on ABC’s Good Morning America this week.
Rashad Jones, who owns Big Lee’s BBQ in Ocala, made an appearance on the popular morning show during a segment sponsored by TikTok wherein online creators discussed how the app helps people discover their businesses.
During the appearance, Jones highlighted how his authentic approach to social media has transformed his local barbecue business into a global destination.
“I built a network on TikTok through just focusing on authenticity and the genuineness of interacting with my customers,” Jones shared during the interview. “We have so many dynamic interactions with our customers, and the world is really looking for that sort of positivity.”
On TikTok alone, Jones has amassed over 308,000 followers. Many of the business owner’s videos highlight customer interactions and have been seen millions of times on the platform.
Jones explained that sharing those genuine moments online has helped him connect with a massive audience far beyond Marion County.
“That’s what I focus in on the platform, and we’re building an incredible community,” said Jones. “And we’re having folks travel from all around the world to Ocala, Florida, to check out our food and our Big Lee’s tea.”
To view the full segment, visit Good Morning America online.
The feature on Good Morning America comes as Jones continues a busy run of national television appearances.
In May, Jones made history on the Food Network during the premiere of the seventh season of BBQ Brawl, returning to the competition as the first-ever former “brawler” and “Master of ‘Cue” invited back to serve as a judge.
Just days prior to his debut on BBQ Brawl, Jones appeared as a guest judge on Beat Bobby Flay in an episode titled “Brawlers vs. Bobby.” The appearance was a full-circle moment for the Ocala businessman, who holds a perfect competitive record against Flay after winning both battles against the famed chef. Jones noted that while being the only barbecue chef in the world to be undefeated against the legendary chef was a major milestone, being invited back to judge was the ultimate honor.
Jones opened his first brick-and-mortar location for Big Lee’s BBQ in Ocala in 2023, the same day he claimed one of his victories over Bobby Flay.
Beyond the judges’ table, Jones’s culinary reach extended to the West Coast earlier this year when he traveled to Los Angeles to appear on Access Daily. During the broadcast, he cooked and served his award-winning wings to TV legend Mario Lopez, who praised the dish to his entire crew.
These recent appearances add to a long list of television credits for the Ocala mogul. Last May, Jones co-hosted a segment of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri, highlighting a gourmet chicken sandwich shop in Gainesville.
He has also previously served as a guest judge on Best Bite in Town, hosted Eat, Sleep, BBQ, and competed on Guy’s Grocery Games.
To see some of Jones’ viral videos, visit Big Lee’s BBQ on TikTok. Share your words of encouragement and congratulations for Rashad Jones and his accomplishments in a comment or letter to the editor.