lazyman The company began as a family business in 1932 as Chicago Combustion Corporation. The founder, Louis McGlaughlin, introduced the first gas-fired broiler at the 1939 World"s Fair in New York. These first commercial units added a unique charcoal flavor to restaurant cooking and became the platform for the outdoor gas-fired barbecue grill. It has always been our desire to manufacture gas-fired barbecues that would stand the test of time and set us apart from the competition.