Franklin BBQ Retro Black Playing Cards

Texas barbecue meets vintage casino design in the Franklin BBQ Retro Black Playing Cards, a collaboration celebrating one of Austin’s most famous barbecue institutions.

The story began when playing card designer Brad Fulton visited Franklin Barbecue in 2013. Alongside the food and atmosphere, Fulton was struck by the restaurant’s distinctive visual identity. After becoming friends with founders Aaron and Stacy Franklin, the idea emerged to translate the character of Franklin Barbecue into a completely custom deck of playing cards.

For this Retro Black Edition, Fulton looked towards classic American casino decks of the 1970s. The back design has a suitably old-school feel, while the striped tuck and distinctive Franklin branding make the deck look like something discovered behind the counter of a vintage Texas barbecue joint.

The attention to detail continues inside. All 56 playing cards are customised, including specially illustrated court cards paying tribute to the people behind Franklin Barbecue. Illustrations come from Dave Lamplugh, the artist responsible for the original cartoons seen on Franklin’s sauce bottles, while the iconic Franklin logo was originally created by Blair Richardson.

Presentation is completed with an embossed vintage-style long-flap tuck box, another deliberate nod to playing card packaging from the 1970s.

Printed in China on premium cardistry stock, Franklin BBQ Retro Black combines Brad Fulton’s love of vintage Americana with one of Texas barbecue’s most recognisable brands.