Bear Tyler - Peanut Slinger & Barber

​When I caught up with Bear Tyler this afternoon he was slinging boiled peanuts. I didn’t get a chance to witness any barbering going on, but I’m guessing there’s a chair in the back of his classic 1966 food-truck “conversion.” It’s a site to see as well as the good-looking and mighty-good tasting peanuts coming out of the serving window. Check out the “salty dog platter” which is made up of several kinds of pickled peppers and a heaping pile of boiled peanuts.
 
Bear founded Bullhded Peanut Company in 1971 with hard work and grit and that’s what he still throws in the mix today. And yes, that’s the spelling of Bullhded. You’ll have to ask Bear why. 

Bear Tyler, owner and chief peanut slinger since 1971.

Bear and his Salty Dog Platter. (They look a lot better than this photo shows, trust me.)

​Bear is based out of Tryon. Bear and his truck can be found around the region and he’s available for festivals, catering, and other private events. Today he was parked and doing a brisk business in the parking lot of Cameroon Cigar Lounge (& Craft Beer Emporium) in Landrum.
 
Bear says, “At Bullhded, what we do is simple. Take parts salt, peanuts, mix it with grit…and the result is a Southern staple cooked to perfection.”

​You can learn more at bullhded.com, but the best way to learn more is to give those peanuts a try.

Bear Tyler serves a heaping helping of boiled peanuts to Caleb Bruce, Pastor at New Hope Baptist Church in Landrum.