We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mckenzie Bunn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with McKenzie below.

McKenzie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea of Barbecue and catering came to me naturally. I was always a lover of cooking and culinary arts. My grandparents were great cooks also. My grandpa was a fisherman and hunter, and my grandmother made the best meals that I would try to sneak a treat while she was cooking. I remember she would always say, “If you wanna taste then you need to come see hownits done,” and that sparked my love. My step-father, my “Pops”, was also a great cook, who had a love for BBQ, so being around him as well also helped spark this passion. So when I decided to dive deep into the world of BBQ, and catering as well, it was a match made in heaven that me and my family have truly benefitted from. I love what I do.

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.

My family is originally from North Carolina, my sisters and I were born and raised in the DC & Maryland area. Again, as I kid, I have always had a love and passion to cook, but as I got older amd worked in various fast food restaurants, & corporate kitchens, my love of creating new and flavorful dishes just made me want to get more involved in the industry. My friends and family have always told me I should give cooking and catering a try and at first I was nervous. But taking a leap of faith has proves to be a blessing… My brother in law, Patrick Hunt, my culinary brother, Barris Foust, and a few others in my culinary circle have proved to be an inspiration to me and have helped me create the team that I need to set us apart from the rest. What sets us apart is the creativity that happens when you have the right people with the same goals and the same objectives, to improve, uplift and inspire to create something that your mind, heart and stomachs will not forget. We want you to come back for more. I am truly proud of the family and friends I have in my corner, and the way they hype me up, because they know my potential even when at times I may not see it.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Social media presence, word of mouth, and doing various pop ups and tailgates have definitely been a source of new clients. For example, at a recent tailgate, the team and I make it a priority to invite those around for a free bite, we offer our services and explain what we do and how we do- even on site amongst the sporting fans and they come back to us day after day just to buy, taste, and see what are we gonna do that new that no other person is doing. Word of mouth can go a long way, especially when the food is good.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Well, when I metmy wife and her family, I was very close to the family. But me and Patrick have always clicked. As we gotten older the conversations about cooking, BBQ, and catering has always came up. I always had a love for BBQ. But one particular day he asked me to borrow my driveway, and pulled up with this GIGANTIC smoker. He then asked, “Let’s work this bro, I have the love and passion for this and you do too. Let’s show the world what we’re about.” And it’s been a wonderful journey. My buddy Barris is a former Executive Chef, and I would always pick his brain over various blends or flavors when it comes to BBQ, and he’s never let me down. So when it came to time of catering and collaboration on small catering and gatherings, he’s right there in the mix. My circle is by far the greatest ever.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: mackssmokeybbque