At CaterZen, we're passionate about helping BBQ restaurant operators build stronger, more profitable catering businesses. And Barbecue Catering Smarts is your go-to podcast for actionable insights, expert advice, and real-world strategies to grow your restaurant's catering profit center.
Hosted by me, Michael Attias, founder of CaterZen Catering Software, each episode features conversations with pitmasters, smokehouse owners, and catering leaders who share the systems, lessons, and strategies behind successful BBQ catering operations.
We're excited to announce Episode 40 of Barbecue Catering Smarts, featuring Chef Jack Holt, Owner of Smokin' Jack's BBQ!
Episode 40: Building Systems That Scale — How Smokin' Jack's Turned BBQ Into a Multi-Concept Business
In this episode, I sit down with Chef Jack Holt to discuss his journey from launching a ghost kitchen during the pandemic to building Smokin' Jack's BBQ into a growing multi-concept operation that includes food trucks, restaurant locations, stadium partnerships, and a thriving catering business.
While Jack's story is inspiring, what makes this conversation especially valuable is his relentless focus on building systems that support long-term growth. He shares practical lessons on developing operational discipline, creating memorable customer experiences, embracing new technology, and preparing a catering business to scale without sacrificing quality.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in Episode 40:
- Why great barbecue alone isn't enough—and how systems become the foundation for sustainable catering growth.
- How one successful catering event can generate years of repeat business through exceptional execution and customer relationships.
- The operational checklists, production planning, and preparation strategies that reduce mistakes and improve consistency.
- How AI can help BBQ operators streamline purchasing, production planning, and day-to-day operations.
- Why food trucks, festivals, storefronts, and community events can become powerful engines for generating new catering business.
- The mindset required to grow from operator to business builder while maintaining hospitality and product quality.
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that great barbecue may earn you the first catering booking—but systems are what allow you to grow.
For Jack, building a scalable catering business means documenting processes, investing in operational discipline, and creating repeatable systems that deliver the same exceptional experience every time. As the business expands, those systems become the foundation for maintaining quality, developing leaders, and serving more customers without sacrificing hospitality.
Whether it's using checklists to eliminate mistakes, embracing AI to streamline planning, or treating every catering event as an opportunity to earn the next one, Jack shows that sustainable growth comes from improving the business behind the barbecue—not just the barbecue itself.
How to Tune In
You can listen to Episode 40 of Barbecue Catering Smarts on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full episode right here.
Why Barbecue Catering Smarts?
Every episode of Barbecue Catering Smarts is designed specifically for BBQ restaurant operators who want to grow catering revenue. We go beyond generic restaurant advice to explore the unique challenges and opportunities of BBQ catering—covering sales, operations, marketing, systems, profitability, and customer experience.
Each conversation delivers real-world lessons from operators who have built successful catering businesses, giving you proven strategies you can apply in your own restaurant.
Let’s Hear From You!
Is there a BBQ operator you'd love to hear on the podcast? Or is there a catering challenge you'd like us to cover in a future episode?
Send us a message—we'd love your suggestions as we continue building the industry's most valuable resource for BBQ catering operators.
Stay Connected with Us on Social Media!
Don’t miss out on updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive tips for growing your catering business. Follow us on social media to stay in the loop:
- Instagram: @bbqcateringbizacademy
- Facebook: BBQ Catering Business Academy
Join the conversation and let us know how Barbecue Catering Smarts is helping you level up your catering game. We love hearing your wins!
Ready to Build a Catering Business That Scales?
Jack's journey demonstrates that successful catering businesses aren't built on great food alone—they're built on repeatable systems, disciplined execution, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Whether you're running a single smoker or expanding into multiple locations, this episode will challenge you to think beyond today's orders and start building the systems that support tomorrow's growth.
If you're serious about turning catering into a dependable profit center for your BBQ restaurant, you won't want to miss this episode.
The BBQ Catering Business Academy is Now Open!
If you’re looking to build a more predictable, profitable catering operation, the BBQ Catering Business Academy was built for you.
Learn how to:
- Generate consistent catering leads
- Put systems in place that save time and reduce stress
- Turn catering into a reliable, high-margin revenue stream
Sign up now:
bbqcateringbusinessacademy.com
No cost. No spam. Just BBQ.
