Barbecue Catering Smarts

Episode 34: From Hip-Hop to High-Volume Catering — How Stack City BBQ Built a Brand That Travels

In this episode of Barbecue Catering Smarts [https://www.caterzen.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast-network&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=podcast], Michael Attias sits down with Mark Avalos, founder of Stack City BBQ [https://dopebbq.com/]. What started as backyard cookouts and weekend catering jobs has evolved into one of the most recognizable barbecue brands in Texas. Mark shares how he combined barbecue, hip-hop culture, hospitality, and relentless relationship-building to create a catering business that keeps customers coming back year after year. Michael and Mark dive into the real drivers behind long-term catering growth — from creating memorable customer experiences and building venue relationships to standing out in a crowded barbecue market. Mark also opens up about growing from a trailer to multiple locations, navigating the challenges of COVID, and why consistency and responsiveness matter more than flashy marketing. They also discuss the economics of barbecue catering, including managing brisket costs, structuring buffet lines strategically, maximizing profitability at events, and why catering clients ultimately care about reliability just as much as great food. This episode is packed with actionable insights on branding, hospitality, referrals, customer service, and building a catering operation people trust enough to recommend repeatedly. Barbecue Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software [https://www.caterzen.com/?utm_source=podcast-network&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=podcast].

Episode 33: Relationships Over Reach — How Maurice's Built Catering with Chris Bennett

In this episode of Barbecue Catering Smarts [https://www.caterzen.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast-network&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=podcast], Michael Attias sits down with Chris Bennett, VP of Catering at Maurice's Piggie Park [https://catering.piggiepark.com/catering-full-service]—a multi-generational barbecue brand with nearly 70 years of history. Chris shares how he built Maurice's catering division from essentially zero into a meaningful revenue stream by focusing on relationships, consistency, and playing the long game. Rather than chasing every lead, his strategy centers on taking care of existing customers, letting reputation compound, and leaning into the segments that scale best—especially corporate events. They also dive into how brand legacy, community involvement, and product quality all work together to drive catering growth, why not every opportunity is worth pursuing, and how simplifying your focus can actually accelerate revenue. This episode is packed with practical insight for BBQ operators who want to grow catering sales without adding chaos—by focusing on what works and doing it consistently. Barbecue Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software [https://www.caterzen.com/?utm_source=podcast-network&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=podcast].

Episode 32: From "Just Say Yes" to $1M — How Fat Bob's Built a Catering Engine with Bridget Ryan

In this episode of Barbecue Catering Smarts [https://www.caterzen.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast-network&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=podcast], Michael Attias sits down with Bridget Ryan, Director of Sales & Marketing at Fat Bob's Smokehouse [https://www.fatbobs.com/]. From a former Spanish teacher to helping lead a $1M+ catering operation, Bridget shares how Fat Bob's transformed catering into a scalable, system-driven revenue engine—without losing the personal touch that built their reputation. Bridget breaks down how streamlining menus, simplifying service, and standardizing processes allowed their team to handle high-volume catering efficiently while maintaining consistency across every event. She also dives into the philosophy that fueled their growth: "just say yes." From last-minute orders to large-scale events, that mindset helped them win customers, build trust, and generate long-term loyalty. In this episode, you'll learn: 🔥 How simplifying your menu can increase efficiency and margins 🔥 Why standardized setups and processes reduce labor and mistakes 🔥 How "just say yes" can unlock hidden revenue opportunities 🔥 The real mix of drop-off vs. full-service—and where the profits are 🔥 How community involvement and relationships drive inbound catering leads 🔥 Why systems—not personalities—are the key to scaling If you're looking to turn catering into a predictable, high-volume profit center, this episode is packed with real-world strategies you can apply immediately. Barbecue Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software [https://www.caterzen.com/?utm_source=podcast-network&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=podcast].

Episode 31: From Backyard to High-Volume Catering — Building a BBQ Business That Scales with Dale Lockwood

In this episode of Barbecue Catering Smarts [https://www.caterzen.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast-network&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=podcast], Michael Attias sits down with Dale Lockwood, Owner and Pit Master of Hickory BBQ & Grill [https://hickorybbq.net/]. Dale shares his journey from starting a barbecue catering business during the 2008 downturn to scaling into high-volume operations—including serving up to 1,000 meals per day for a state contract. Along the way, he's built a business rooted in consistency, relationships, and smart systems—all without chasing low-margin work. Dale breaks down what it really takes to grow a sustainable BBQ catering operation, from leveraging local business networks and referrals, to building a strong sales pipeline through email and CRM systems, to maintaining pricing discipline in a competitive market. They also dive into the operational side—how documenting recipes, standardizing processes, and training teams properly creates consistency at scale—and why speed of response and professionalism often win the sale before the food is even served. This episode is packed with practical insights on building relationships, structuring your catering business for profit, and turning one-time customers into long-term revenue streams. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, Dale's experience offers a clear roadmap for growth. Barbecue Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software [https://www.caterzen.com/?utm_source=podcast-network&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=podcast].

Episode 30: How Smokey John's Turned Catering Into a Lifeline with Brent Reaves

In this episode of Barbecue Catering Smarts [https://www.caterzen.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast-network&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=podcast], Michael Attias sits down with Brent Reaves, President of Smokey John's Bar-B-Que [https://www.smokeyjohns.com/], a second-generation operator who grew up in the business and now leads its growth across catering, retail, and large-scale events. Brent shares the incredible origin story of Smokey John's—how his father went from real estate to barbecue by simply cooking for clients—and how that hustle-first mindset still drives the business today. They dive deep into how Brent used catering to pull the business out of a downturn, including the now-famous story of spending just $50 on flyers, smoking them overnight, and hitting office buildings to generate immediate demand. Michael and Brent also unpack what it really takes to succeed in BBQ catering, including why systems matter, how to build trust with clients, and how to create consistency at scale. You'll also hear how Smokey John's has expanded beyond the restaurant into catering, concessions, and retail products, proving you don't need more locations to grow revenue—you need smarter strategies. If you're a BBQ operator looking to grow catering sales, tighten operations, and build a brand that lasts, this episode delivers real-world, hard-earned lessons you can use right away. Barbecue Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering [https://www.caterzen.com/?utm_source=podcast-network&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=podcast] Software [https://www.caterzen.com/?utm_source=podcast-network&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=podcast].