We recently connected with Bradley & Christina Kurtz and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Bradley & Christina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Why Safeside BBQ

The name Safeside carries weight. It pays homage to Operation Safeside during the Vietnam War, a special unit within the Air Force Security Forces tasked with protecting bases outside the wire. Years later, when I enlisted out of high school in 2004, I found myself wearing the same patch with the 822nd SAFESIDE. That name became a part of me, through five deployments, four to Iraq, and one to Afghanistan. The tough lessons, the lifelong bonds, and the sacrifices made by brothers and sisters in arms. Safeside is more than a word. It’s a reminder, of those who came home, those who did not, and those who fought battles at home that we couldn’t always see.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

We’re Bradley and Christina Kurtz, the husband-and-wife team behind Safeside BBQ. Our story doesn’t start like most barbecue stories. In fact, Bradley didn’t even like BBQ at first. It wasn’t until he smoked a Cajun turkey for his fellow Airmen during a Thanksgiving in Germany that the spark was lit. That led to briskets, ribs, and countless weekends of trial and error until barbecue became not just food, but a passion, a calling, and eventually, a business that brings people together.

Safeside BBQ is more than a food truck; it’s a tribute. The name Safeside honors the 822nd SAFESIDE unit Bradley served with during his five military deployments. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices made by the brothers and sisters who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him, those who came home, those who did not, and those who fought battles even after returning home. Every plate we serve carries that respect, that gratitude, and that sense of service.

We specialize in slow-smoked barbecue crafted with care and patience. From tender brisket and pulled pork to ribs and our fan-favorite birria tacos, every bite is made with love and fueled by natural wood fire. We’re proud to offer generous portions and scratch-made sides that remind folks of backyard gatherings and Sunday dinners.

What sets us apart is that this isn’t just Bradley in the pit, Christina is right there, too. There aren’t many female pitmasters in the industry and watching her master the craft has been one of our greatest joys. We tradeoff between the smoker and the food truck window, making sure our community gets both great barbecue and warm, genuine service.

Safeside BBQ isn’t just about food, it’s about connection. We solve the problem of busy lives and empty stomachs by serving up hearty meals fast, but we also serve something deeper: a sense of belonging. Our mission is to unite people through food, honor sacrifice through our name, and pour heart and soul into every plate we hand across the window.

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

Consistency has been the foundation of our reputation. We prioritize delivering on what we promise, showing up when we say we will, being on time, and serving food that meets the same high standard every single time. We believe kindness and respect go a long way, so whether it’s interacting with our customers, engaging with employees, or even responding to those who disagree with us, we hold ourselves to that standard.

Attention to detail is another key factor. Every little thing matters, from how we season the meat to how we serve it; from how our truck looks to how we greet people at the window. Mistakes happen in any business, but we’ve learned that how you handle those moments defines you just as much as your successes. By owning them and striving to be better, we build trust. Over time, those small, consistent efforts add up. That keeps people coming back and has helped us grow within our community.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In our first year, it seemed as if something could go wrong; it would. One week, the truck’s electrical wiring had to be replaced, the next, the air conditioning failed, and soon after, the warmer’s hot-holding temperature control went out. Each setback felt overwhelming, but we kept pushing forward.

One moment in particular stands out. We arrived at a new location, only to realize the warmer wasn’t working, and we lost a portion of the food that day. It could have been a disaster, but we adapted instead of folding under pressure. We made a game plan, reorganized what we could serve, and focused on caring for every customer who came to the window.

What could have been a failure turned into a breakthrough. We salvaged the day and gained something even more valuable: loyal customers who appreciated that we showed up, kept our word, and gave our best despite the obstacles. That experience reinforced that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges but about how you respond to them.

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Contact Info:

• Website: https://safesidebbq.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safeside_bbq/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SafesideBBQ
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/safeside-bbq-buffalo