For 25 years, Danny Kleinsasser has built Danny’s Whole Hog around good food, hard work and bringing people together.
Known by many as Manitoba’s “King of BBQ,” Kleinsasser says the idea for Danny’s Whole Hog BBQ & Catering started with a simple love of cooking and feeding people.
“I’ve always enjoyed barbecuing and feeding people,” he said.
The inspiration came during a farming trade show in Iowa, where he and his father sampled authentic Southern barbecue. Danny returned home determined to recreate the experience. He designed and built his own propane-fired whole hog barbecue and roasted a pig for a party. That success sparked the business.
He soon began cooking whole hogs for the annual picnic on the colony where he grew up. Before long, neighbours were asking him to barbecue pigs for their own family gatherings and special events.
“That’s when I took a step of faith and turned the idea into a business,” he said.
Although he chose to leave the colony to start his own business, Kleinsasser says he remains grateful for his upbringing.
“That’s where I got my work ethic,” he said.
Family has been part of the business from the beginning.
As demand grew, customers asked for more than roasted pork. They wanted salads, side dishes and complete meals, and Danny listened.
“My wife started making the salads in our kitchen,” he recalled. “We just kept adding menu items and services as our customers wanted them.”
In 2002, the family opened a meat processing plant, allowing them to add more value to Manitoba-raised products. Today, Danny’s Whole Hog serves pork, turkey, beef, brisket and chicken, while also producing smoked meats, retail products and nine barbecue sauce flavours.
The company has expanded from catering whole hogs to offering pickup meals, full-service catering and award-winning retail pulled pork, pulled turkey and pulled beef products sold through grocery stores across Manitoba.
Despite that growth, Kleinsasser says listening to customers has remained the foundation of the business.
“Our main goal isn’t to get bigger—it’s to get better and adapt what we offer to what people want,” he said.
Today, Danny’s Whole Hog caters events throughout Manitoba and occasionally into Kenora and Saskatchewan. During the busy summer season, the company can handle up to 20 events on a Saturday, serving thousands of people.
Some of Danny’s favourite events remain the smallest ones.
“Backyard weddings and family parties have a special place in our hearts,” he said. “I love being part of an event that brings family and friends together.”
He also values community fundraisers and charity events as opportunities to give back.
This year, the company is celebrating its 25th anniversary by giving away 25 prizes, including pickup meals, whole hogs and barbecue sauce packages.
“Without our customers, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” he said. “They’re the reason we’re celebrating 25 years.”
Like many food businesses, Danny’s Whole Hog has faced rising food costs and labour challenges. Kleinsasser credits his employees with helping the company navigate difficult times.
“I have the most amazing people working for us,” he said.
Looking ahead, he sees the next generation continuing the family business. His son Isaiah has worked alongside him from the beginning and is preparing to carry it forward.
“I’ll always be around to help,” Kleinsasser said. “I’m taking a little more time to enjoy the grandchildren, but I’m not going anywhere.” •
— By Harry Siemens