It’s time to celebrate! Blue Rhino is heading into a milestone year – its 30th anniversary! For three decades, we’ve helped our customers create warm, happy memories in backyards across the country. Now, it’s our turn to say thank you by passing on some tips to make the most of your next gathering.
Look at How Far We’ve Come!
Blue Rhino was founded in 1994 by a man named Billy Prim. An astute businessman, Billy was dabbling in the propane business at the time and was looking for a strong, catchy name for his latest venture. While on a photo safari in Africa, he saw a rhinoceros. He thought it looked a lot like a propane tank, so he decided to include it in his company’s name. He added the word “blue” to Blue Rhino because of the color of propane’s flame, and America’s premier propane tank exchange brand was born.
In 2004, Ferrellgas acquired Blue Rhino. It is still a part of Ferrellgas today, where the brand continues to thrive and grow, expanding its reach across the country. Along the way, Blue Rhino has become famous for firsts - first to use handheld technology, first with a toll free customer support line, first to introduce bilingual support for customers, and more!
In 2012, Blue Rhino launched its partnership with Operation BBQ Relief (OBR). The organization provides fresh, hot, barbecued meals to people whose lives have been impacted by natural disasters. Recently, OBR volunteers responded to the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, Hurricane Idalia’s aftermath in Live Oak, Florida, and a devastating tornado in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. OBR’s disaster response team stands ready to serve as soon as another natural disaster hits, and Blue Rhino and Ferrellgas are proud to supply the propane that reliably and safely powers their grills and smokers.
In 2021, Blue Rhino made an important expansion by adding home delivery service in select markets. This time-saving initiative allows our customers to skip a trip to the store. Instead, a fresh Blue Rhino tank can be delivered directly to their home. Today, that service continues to expand. Most recently, our company added home delivery service in Queens, New York.
In 2022, our company launched another important partnership, this one with the International Rhino Foundation (IRF). The organization strives to help the five remaining rhino species thrive. Its work focuses on conservation, rescues, and other efforts to help increase the rhino population, dissuade poachers, and otherwise protect these endangered species. Blue Rhino’s support of IRF is a natural fit, given our name and our company’s history. Not only do we support IRF’s conservation efforts, but we also raise awareness about saving the rhinos using our social media channels, special propane tank sleeves, and more. It’s up to us to help spread the word about IRF and its mission.
Special Anniversary Tank Sleeve
Blue Rhino has a lot up its sleeve to celebrate its 30th anniversary, and that includes a new, limited edition tank sleeve! Get it? We have a lot up our sleeve? Never mind. Someone at your next barbecue will appreciate our Dad Jokes.
We digress. So, what is a tank sleeve? It’s the special, branded wrap you see on each one of our propane tanks that features the Blue Rhino logo and design. It also includes important safety and tank connection information. You may have seen other limited-edition tank sleeves at Blue Rhino retailers near you. In the past year, we’ve created special tank sleeves for Flag Day and to support our partnership with OBR and IRF, and more.
If you see our special anniversary tank sleeve, we want you to snap a picture! Then, tag us on Instagram with #NotJustPropane for a chance to be featured on our account! Talk about bragging rights.
Giveaways Galore!
In honor of our 30-year milestone, we want to give back to the people like you who make what we do possible. That’s why we’re giving away lots of great grilling prizes, accessories, free Blue Rhino tank exchanges, and more! Click here to learn how you can enter for your chance to win!
Best Recipes & Tips
It’s no secret that Blue Rhino helps make your barbecue a success. And we’re so thankful to be a part of those wonderful memories! From our grill to yours, here are some of our best, tried-and-true recipes that are sure to create long-lasting backyard fun.
The name of this recipe says it all: Best Summer Shrimp. Freshly prepared shrimp are cooked on the grill on skewers and simply seasoned with garlic salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for a little heat. The secret to keeping them plump and juicy? Mayonnaise! By slathering the shrimp with a little mayo, you’ll really seal in the flavors.
Cheesehead Sliders are always a crowd pleaser. Breadcrumbs keep the ground beef in this recipe moist, and beer gives it a bit of tang. A variety of cheese toppings and pretzel slider rolls really set this recipe apart. Make sure to prepare a few extras – they’re going to go fast!
These Easy Chicken Wings are crispy and charred on the outside and warm and juicy on the inside. A simple sauce of butter, hot sauce, and cayenne and black peppers add some heat. These wings are so easy to prepare, they’re great for tailgating, large gatherings, and parties.
Finally, don’t forget dessert! Grilled Bananas sound simple, but their flavor is complex and well-rounded. Butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon make this sweet treat taste a bit like a traditional Bananas Foster recipe. Serve with a scoop or two of ice cream and fresh, crushed walnuts, and you’ve got a hit!
We also have some tips for creating a memorable gathering, no matter how skilled you are behind the grill! First, check out our Tips for Gas Grilling. On this page, you’ll find information on how to properly flip your food, how to grill large cuts of meat, the importance of keeping your grill clean, and more! Did you know you can use your grill to reheat leftover pizza? It’s perfect for avoiding that dreaded “floppy day-old pizza” phenomenon.
When it comes to grilling, you know it’s important to season your food. But did you know that you can also use the same spices you used during the cooking process to add a little extra flavor to your dishes? Click here to learn about finishing your food with spices, and how it can really take your meals up a notch.
Blue Rhino’s Digital Cookbook
Want to try even more recipes? Check out Blue Rhino’s Digital Cookbook. It contains dozens of our favorite recipes from over the years, including new twists on some old standbys. Click here to check it out! You may just find your new favorite.
What We’ve Learned Over 30 Years
A milestone anniversary or birthday is the perfect time to sit back and think about what you’ve learned over the years. At Blue Rhino, we can know that:
- A good meal is the way to someone’s heart.
- The secret ingredient is always love.
- Cooking can be fun, especially if you grill together as a family!
- It is crucial to do good in the world.
That last point is especially important to us at Blue Rhino. Our employee-owners want to leave the world a better place. That’s why we directly support several national charities and give back to the communities where our customers and team members live and work. What’s important to them is important to us. Thank you for a wonderful 30 years! Here’s to 30+ more. Happy anniversary, Blue Rhino!
Published: 2024.01.18 | Last updated: 2024.04.23