We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chrystal Walker Cherry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chrystal Walker, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

My heroes are my mother and father. Both taught me lessons that have made my family owned business a success. My parents both cooked meals and would invite family and friends to enjoy. They would pride on the love and time spent in creating meals that was sure to please and get rave reviews from.

I remember being in the kitchen with my mother as young as eight years old. We would cook together all day sometimes to prepare meals for family reunions and holidays.
My father, also was a amazing cook. He shared recipes with me as well. My dad was so proud to see that my husband, Nathan Cherry and I had started our business, Smokin Cherry’s BBQ. He was my biggest supporter. Dad made it top priority to do whatever that was needed to be done so I could get product I needed to run my business efficiently. I recently lost him in February of this year. Although it has been hard without both of my parents, I feel their presence pushing me to do everything I can to make this business a success story.
Smokin Cherry’s BBQ was birthed during the pandemic. March 2019, my husband and I launched Smokin Cherry’s BBQ. It started as a charcoal grill, upgraded to a food truck and now we have a restaurant. We owe all this to our customers who have supported us throughout these years.

I have teenaged daughters who also help me as I would help my mother as a child. My wishes for them is to keep the business alive long after I am no longer here.

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

Smokin Cherry’s BBQ was established in 2019. My family has always hosted parties and gathering. We would get great reviews on our food and it was often said that we needed to get a restaurant. With working dead end jobs and being tired of layoffs, my husband and I decided to give the food industry a try. It is now like we’re living out our dreams of working together building a brand that our children will hopefully carry on.

We went with the name Smokin Cherry’s BBQ because our last name is Cherry and my husband smokes all his food. I am the kitchen chef that prepares all the soul food. Perfect fit!

We treat each and every customer with the best customer service. We do our very best to make sure your meals will be exceptional every time we serve.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My best source of New clients has been social media and word of mouth. People come in and tell us that they have been recommended by customers all the time. It is very important to give each and every customer the best experience so they will recommended you to others.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Our business partner is the cousin of my husband. He saw the vision and passion we have and decided to invest in Smokin Cherry’s BBQ. It is a blessing to have someone believe in your business. We’re so very grateful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Smokin Cherry’s BBQ
• Facebook: Smokin Cherry’s BBQ

Image Credits
Chrystal Walker