We recently connected with Ri-shard Bethley and have shared our conversation below.

Ri-Shard, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

Building My Father’s Legacy Through BBQ
Losing my father to cancer was one of the hardest experiences of my life. His strength, resilience, and passion for life continue to inspire me every day. One of the most cherished memories I have of him is our time spent together around the BBQ. Those moments were filled with laughter, stories, and lessons that I carry with me to this day. In his honor, I have decided to channel my grief into something positive by starting a BBQ business—a venture that not only pays tribute to him but also allows me to share the joy and love he instilled in me.My father was not just a cook; he was a maestro of the grill. His secret marinades and perfectly smoked ribs were legendary among family and friends. He taught me that BBQ was more than just a meal; it was an experience, a way to bring people together, and an expression of love. Each summer weekend, the backyard would transform into a gathering spot where the air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of meat sizzling over coals. Those memories are priceless, and they shaped my understanding of what it means to create and share.Cancer may have taken my father, but it will never diminish his legacy. As I navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, I draw strength from his example. He faced his illness with courage and determination, and I strive to embody that same spirit in my business. Each hurdle I encounter serves as a reminder of the resilience he demonstrated, inspiring me to push forward even when the road gets tough.

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.

I got in to the BBQ business because me and my wife would always host during the summer months and it was a way for me to feel closer to my dad . I started getting great feedback from friends and family on how good my smoked Ribs,Brisket,pulled pork and chicken was . and one day a friend sugested that I should create my own Sauce so after weeks of trial and error , and making a mess in my wife’s kitchen I finely made our signature sauce LEGACY SAUCE!!!! I presented it at one of our cookouts and it was a hit . So after that a light bulb came on and i thought and prayed about it and told myslef I love to BBQ and I love to serve so why not start a family business and at that point Bethley Legacy BBQ LLC was born . I started out selling dinners out of my kitchen after that started getting request to cater , this past summer we had several pop ups . Its definetly been trial and error and a lot of learning on the go . From under charging ,people backing out at the last minute , people feeling your over charging and they don’t understand what it cost for supplies and the time to cook things. Building clintel has probably been the hardest because people want a lot for a little . But in the 2 years going from a small menu and one signature sauce , we now have 3 sauces and 2 seasonings that we sell . We offer catering , pop up shops and are working towards getting a food truck/trailer. Im proud that I’ve been able to keep my dads Legacy going and give my children something to coontiinue to build on when ever I retire . My dad and youngest son are the biggest motivation for all of this my dad who was a 30 year marine corp retiree died due to cancer and he was the back bone of my family , my youngest son almost died from a birth defcit but after countless prayers and a wonderful full team of doctors he is running around lime a normal 2 year old . my son and dad are both the face of the business , which is why Legcay is big becase my father started it by teaching me the craft and now I can teach my sons.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Starting a BBQ business has been a journey of passion, perseverance, and invaluable lessons. My initial capital came from working extra hours at my full-time job. I dedicated evenings and weekends to earn the extra funds that would allow me to buy supplies and ingredients. Each paycheck felt like a stepping stone toward my dream, but the road to building my business was anything but smooth.
In those early days, my excitement sometimes clouded my judgment. As I began selling my BBQ, I quickly learned that pricing is crucial. I was eager to share my creations with friends and family, often underpricing my food in hopes of attracting customers. I didn’t fully account for the cost of ingredients, charcoal, sauces, and the countless hours spent preparing each dish. As a result, I frequently found myself losing money.

Despite the setbacks, each experience was a lesson in disguise. I started to realize that every element of my BBQ operation had a cost associated with it. This wasn’t just about cooking; it was about understanding the business side of things. I began to track my expenses more diligently, calculating how much each meal cost me to make, from the ingredients to the time spent cooking and serving.

Gradually, I learned to balance my pricing with my costs. I revisited my menu and adjusted the prices to better reflect the time and effort I invested. This meant carefully calculating my expenses, factoring in everything from meat and seasoning to the charcoal that fueled my grill. By paying closer attention to these details, I began to see a shift in my financial situation. I was not just selling food; I was running a business, and I needed to treat it as such.

As my understanding of costs improved, so did my profits. I found joy in crafting unique BBQ sauces and experimenting with new recipes that could set my offerings apart. I learned the importance of creating a menu that not only showcased my skills but also ensured that each dish was profitable.

With each passing month, my hard work and dedication paid off. I became more confident in my pricing strategy and started to attract a loyal customer base. Word of mouth spread, and soon I was catering small events and gatherings, which provided a steady stream of income. The thrill of seeing my efforts finally materialize into profits was indescribable.

Reflecting on this journey, I realized that the challenges I faced were vital to my growth as an entrepreneur. Each misstep taught me resilience and reinforced the importance of financial literacy in running a successful business. I learned to embrace the struggles as part of the process, understanding that they were shaping me into a more knowledgeable and capable business owner.

As I continue to grow my BBQ business, I remain committed to learning and adapting. I regularly review my pricing strategy, keeping a close eye on ingredient costs and market trends. My goal is to not only maintain profitability but also to ensure that my customers feel they are receiving great value for their money.

The journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has fueled my passion for BBQ. I’m proud to have built this business from the ground up, using hard work and determination as my foundation. I look forward to expanding my offerings, connecting with the community, and honoring my father’s legacy in every dish I serve. The lessons learned along the way have not only shaped my business but have also instilled in me the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

1. Word of Mouth and Referrals
Encourage Happy Customers to Spread the Word: Great food naturally leads to word-of-mouth marketing. Encourage satisfied customers to share their experiences on social media and refer friends. Consider implementing a referral program that rewards customers for bringing in new business.
2. Social Media Presence
Showcase Your BBQ: Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to post mouthwatering photos of your dishes, behind-the-scenes cooking videos, and customer testimonials. Engage with your audience through contests, polls, and Q&A sessions to create a community around your brand.
3. Local Events and Festivals
Participate in Community Events: Setting up a booth at local fairs, festivals, or farmers’ markets can expose your BBQ to a wider audience. Offering samples can entice people to try your food and encourage them to visit your business afterward.
4. Catering Services
Expand Your Offerings: Catering for parties, weddings, and corporate events can significantly boost your clientele. Providing exceptional service and delicious food can lead to repeat business and referrals.
5. Promotions and Discounts
Attract New Customers: Offering limited-time promotions or discounts can encourage new customers to try your BBQ. Consider “bring a friend” deals or discounts for first-time customers.
6. Build Partnerships
Collaborate with Local Businesses: Partnering with local breweries, wineries, or event spaces can help you tap into their clientele. Joint events or cross-promotions can introduce your BBQ to a broader audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Blegacybbq.com
• Instagram: @Bleagcybbq88
• Facebook: Bethley Legacy BBQ LLC
• Yelp: Bethley Legacy BBQ LLC
• Other: Tik Tok :@bleagcybbq88