In 1971, John H. Willingham began searching for the best available method for cooking Bar-B-Que. Unsatisfied with what he found. John conceived the W'ham Turbo Cooker design and began developing the all-purpose Willingham Seasonings and Willingham Sauces. 

Willingham's in Collierville opened December 1, 1982. Then in 1983, John put his cooking method, seasoning and sauce to the test in The Memphis In May International Bar-B-Que Festival. His team "Willingham's River City Rooters," won first place in Ribs and was named The Overall World's Bar-B-Que Grand Champion.

 On October 28, 1983, Editor Clark Portius asked the question and John's friend, Mohammad Ali insisted "That any good champion defends his title" So, You guessed it, John's Ribs won first place again and also the title of Overall World's Bar-B-Que Grand Champion in the prestigious 1984 Memphis In May Internatinoal Bar-B-Que Festival. 

In November of 1984, John decided to see if his cooking method, seasonings and sauces could successfully cross the geographical test barrier. So off to the American Royal Bar-B-Que Contest in Kansas City, MO., result: 1st Place Pork, 1st Place Beef, 1st Place Lamb, and you guessed it -- Overall Grand Champion. Nuff said?