Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jeremy Perkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jeremy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Southern Barbecue Boys was born from the desire to be able to have a seat at the table with those who are in charge of local barbecue events in my area. In South Florida, there is not a huge BBQ scene especially for traditional southern barbecue. We have such a broad scope of individuals living here, that you get all different types of influences and adaptations; Southern which could be Texas inspired or the Carolinas for example, Hispanic/Latin interpretations, Caribbean influenced and more. But when looking to go to a BBQ establishment, there are not many. There is competition BBQ in Florida and I have had the pleasure of sitting in on a few events to see what that’s like also. So my issue was that there are only a few competitions that come to South Florida, though we are the most populated counties in the state. It would make sense that if you’re looking to grow a brand, you expose in the areas where the most people are. That being said, I said I can’t talk to the powers of things, as just Jeremy, I needed a branding, an entity, to then proceed forward to try and have this conversation to try and get more competitions locally. I came up with the name, and the premise is that Southern Barbecue Boys will be a community for everyone, that loves southern barbecue to be a part of. Anyone can be a Southern Barbecue Boy(Or girl; Woman or Man). From that, my personal journey of smoking meats and cooking also launched, and ironically enough, people began tasting things that I was making, and they returned to ask for more, and then for their events and I realized that something was beginning to take form. I’m from Louisiana so food is in my blood naturally, but I never in a million years thought I would have anything to do with cooking foods or selling. When people ask you enough times though, and are willing to then pay for it, you take a moment and look at what’s happening! That’s basically the origins of SBB – though it has become something now that I never set out for it to be, or ever saw myself being involved in.

Jeremy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jeremy, but many people call me “J-Perk” and I am the owner of Southern Barbecue Boys which is based in Broward County Florida. I am Louisiana born, so that is a huge influence and pride of mine, along with all of the South. I love being from the South, and what that means to be a Southerner. I love to support Southern businesses and black-owned businesses and brands as much as I can. My business was started as just a community to unite lovers of barbecue, but then quickly transitioned in to a brand that will continue to expand into the catering space to provide true southern barbecue and Louisiana inspired soul and classic dishes done properly.

I have proudly been given the opportunity to compete in the Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival BBQ Competition now 3 years in a row; Winning “People’s Choice” in 2023 and ending up tied for 2nd place this January for the Judge’s Overall vote! It’s still amazing that I was given the opportunity to be involved so early in my journey! I am also a Traeger brand ambassador which is an amazing honor to be apart of such a great community. They are such an amazing group of people to be able to partner with on my journey.

I just want to be able to share good food with everyone that I can along my way. I have a BBQ business, but I personally am far more than just barbecue. I have and will continue to position myself as a southern chef, and continue to learn and present the true meals of the south, and help to ensure that the respect for those dishes and the southern experience continue. There is so much to be said about being from the South, that I want to make sure that it keeps going and we all learn as we go forward so that it is not forgotten or easily overlooked.

How did you build your audience on social media?

For me personally being in the food space, which is a very saturated space on social media, but a fun space indeed; you have to cook and post! I myself have had the feeling that many of us looking to enter into this space have; I need more equipment, I need a huge kitchen, I need professional cameras ect. We aspire to present the best visual possible, but we tend to hesitate if everything is not “perfect” which nothing ever is. Thinking that way holds you back from ever starting. JUST START! That building block is how you grow. If you never post bad or less than desirable to your standards content, you will never have a gauge to grow from and reflect on. If you never cook a dish and it doesn’t come out great, or smoke some ribs and they are not what you set out for, you don’t have anything to sit and review to adjust and then improve. I like to remind myself ” Get out of your own way ” because people understand growth and progress – they just want to see work, and you can show them the good and bad of growth while building your audience. It will allow them also to feel they have been apart of your journey as you grow – which is a good thing also. Just post, regularly, and interact and enjoy the process. It’s a slow journey but you can get farther than you imagine with just taking action.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think my reputation is being built by consistency and dedication. I cook A LOT these days. I’m usually on the smoker every weekend. I post regularly on social media so people always seem to see that I’m cooking – which translates into passion and consistency. Beyond that, I care about my product and the quality. I read a lot, research techniques often. I own a ton of cookbooks, both traditional cooking and barbecue. I try and learn from those ahead of me, so as a newer Pitmaster, I can gain knowledge. That all leads to a good product which will speak for itself! My location is unique as barbecue is not endless here, so there is a need for it, and I am trying my best to meet it for those whom I meet. I’ve been blessed with opportunities early on, and I pray that those moments will continue as the brand grows larger over time. People see me wearing my brand on my shirts regularly, I always have business cards on me – because everyone can be an opportunity and that’s what you want as a business and a brand. If you take it seriously, people will take you seriously.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.southernbbqboys.com
• Instagram: @southernbbqboys
• Facebook: @JPerkMr954 / @southernbbqboys

Image Credits
Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival