Story & Photos
By Michael Kinney
When Owen Wilson first got the idea of going into the food business, the Oklahoma City Thunder was still living in Seattle. At the time, all he had was a trailer and two menu items.
Since then, Wilson’s business and menu has grown, and the Thunder have become a centerpiece of Oklahoma sports and entertainment.
But starting this season, Wilson and Thunder will be working together. He is one of the newest members of the Oklahoma City Thunder food experience after Big O’s Pork & Dreams BBQ was added to the Paycom Center food court.
After almost two decades of grinding, Wilson knows how special it is for him to have earned such a coveted spot.
“It’s just a lot of excitement, man. I mean, it’s a blessing to be where I’m at right now,” Wilson said. “I remember when I started out in 2006. I started out with a 12-foot trailer with a smoker on it. I had two items. I had Turkey legs and hot links. That’s all I had. I would get up every Saturday morning and I would go to beauty shops and salons. I would be sold out by 12:30 p.m. every Saturday.”
Wilson’s initial success allowed him to upgrade to a food truck and soon after a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Edmond (285 S. Santa Fe Avenue) A second establishment in Midwest City (6003 SE 15th Street) came a few years later.
Wilson said the key to his journey wasn’t anything special. He didn’t proclaim to have a secret recipe or even some new technique on the grill. His key has always been to think of others first.
“I’ve been blessed just paying it forward,” Wilsons said. “Making sure I take of what they call tithe and you don’t worry about nothing else because the men upstairs going to take care of you. And that’s what he’d been doing. He’s been blessing me good.”
However, Wilson also made sure he was ready when opportunities came his way. His entry to the Thunder experience began when he was working with Apollo Woods and The Bigger Than Food Foundation at a popup for Black History Month.
According to Wilson, the Thunder brass was so impressed with his menu and food, they asked him to make a home at the Paycom Center.
“I was on top of the world, man,” Wilson said. “My mom has been deceased since 2008. That’s the first person I wanted to call and tell her. But I know she is looking down on me telling me, baby shine and I’m blessed.”
As one of the few black owned businesses that will be on hand at the Thunder games, Wilson knows this opportunity is bigger than just him and wants to inspire others to go after what they want.
“On the back of my T-shirt, it says, ‘What’s your dream? And like I tell people, dreams do come true, but you got to believe in yourself,” Wilson said. “If you don’t believe in yourself, I can’t help you. I’m willing to help. You need help. I’m here to help you because that’s one thing we don’t do. We don’t want to help. One, because we are afraid. But I’m hoping for it. That’s the only way you’re going to make it in life.”
For Thunder fans looking to experience the Big O’s menu, they are located in section 112 at the Paycom Center. Wilsons recommends getting loaded baked potatoes for first timers. However, don’t skimp out on the pork ribs and brisket sandwich as well.
Regardless of what patrons choose, it will be something that represents the hard work and energy Wilson has put into making Big O’s Pork & Dreams a success.
However, Wilson is not done here. The Thunder Experience is just the next step in his journey.
“I’m just climbing baby,” Wilson said.
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