Justin Gill is a third-generation Sebastopol native who transformed his grandmother’s recipe for Japanese-style barbecue sauce into a multimillion-dollar business.
Gill, who now lives in Santa Rosa with his wife and three daughters, grew up steeped in the outdoorsy west county culture, riding bikes through the hills and heading out to the coast to surf with friends. His supremely popular barbecue sauce is a savory-sweet, umami-rich concoction that goes great on everything from grilled tuna to burgers to oysters and more.
Distribution has expanded nationwide, but locals know you can find the extra-large bottles at Costco — and yes, you’re going to want that jumbo size on hand, especially as summer grilling season shapes up. bachans.com
Some of Justin Gill’s favorite local places
Journeyman Meat Co.
“We barbecue a lot as a family, so it’s always fun to find a place like Journeyman Meat Co., with quality meats and unusual cuts.” Gill is a member of their salumi club and likes to stop in for the lunch steak special, grilled to order. 404 Center St., Healdsburg. 707-395-6328, journeymanmeat.com
Crooked Goat Brewing
In July, Gill will host the yearly Bachan’s Day celebration at Crooked Goat Brewing at The Barlow. “We had like 600 people there last year for free food and free beer.” Last year, he also gave away a Bachan’s surfboard. Check bachans.com for details on this year’s party (July 11). 120 Morris St., Sebastopol. 707-827-3893, crookedgoatbrewing.com
Trail House
Gill is a big cyclist — road, mountain and gravel. Now that he’s based in Santa Rosa, it takes longer to get out to Willow Creek, so he often hits the trails at Trione-Annadel State Park. Before or after a ride is time for drinks at Trail House. “The vibe is great, with people from all walks of life, people with their road kits still on having meetings on the computer. It’s like ‘Cheers’ for bike people.” 4036 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa. 707-843-4943, incycle.com/pages/retailer/trail-house
Los Molcajetes Bar & Grill
Gill finds the best margaritas and his favorite pollo asado every Friday night at Los Molcajetes Bar & Grill in Rincon Valley, near his home. “I love that place, the people who work there, the family that owns it.” 6599 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. 707-791-7571, losmolcajetesbarandgrill.com
Salmon Creek
Gill, who grew up surfing along the coast, calls the break at Salmon Creek “a great wave by Northern California standards.” When he shows up, he almost always knows someone out on the water, and the beaches have a beautifully rustic quality that he loves. Sonoma Coast State Park, Highway 1, Bodega Bay. parks.ca.gov