At CaterZen, we believe BBQ catering can become a powerful profit center when operators combine great food with smart marketing, strong relationships, and a willingness to actively pursue new opportunities. That’s why we created Barbecue Catering Smarts.
Hosted by me, Michael Attias, founder of CaterZen Catering Software, this podcast is built for BBQ operators who want actionable insights, expert advice, and real-world strategies to grow a more profitable catering operation.
We’re excited to announce Episode 42 of Barbecue Catering Smarts, featuring Kendal Handy, Co-Owner of Hambone’s BBQ Smokehouse!
Episode 42: Next-Gen BBQ Growth — Turning Relationships, Social Media & Hustle Into Catering Sales
In this episode, I sit down with Kendal Handy to talk about what the next generation can bring to a family-owned BBQ business—from fresh approaches to social media and technology to actively creating new catering opportunities.
Kendal shares how he’s helping Hambone’s reach new customers through TikTok and targeted content, while also building catering relationships through college athletics, corporate offices, churches, and his own network. We also discuss the power of genuine customer relationships, creating a distinctive “California Barbecue” identity, and why giving younger family members and employees room to contribute can uncover new opportunities for growth.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in Episode 42:
- How Kendal became involved in his family’s BBQ restaurant—and why his parents never forced him into the business.
- How social media trends and targeted content can help BBQ restaurants reach new audiences and generate real-world business.
- Why understanding who you’re trying to reach matters more than simply posting more content.
- How college athletics, churches, corporate offices, and community connections can become valuable catering opportunities.
- Why building genuine relationships with catering customers can lead to referrals and repeat business.
- How creating a distinctive identity like Hambone’s “California Barbecue” can help a BBQ brand stand apart.
- Why younger family members and employees can bring valuable new perspectives on technology, marketing, and growth.
- How AI and technology can help operators work smarter without losing the human element that makes a family business unique.
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that fresh ideas can come from anywhere—including the next generation already working inside your restaurant.
For Kendal, that means combining the foundation his family has built with new approaches to social media, networking, technology, and sales. For other BBQ operators, it’s a reminder to give motivated people on your team the opportunity to contribute, experiment, and help uncover the next source of catering growth.
How to Tune In
You can listen to Episode 42 of Barbecue Catering Smarts on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full episode right here.
Why Barbecue Catering Smarts?
Each episode dives deep into the challenges and opportunities unique to BBQ catering. You’ll hear inspiring stories, proven systems, and practical tips from pitmasters, smokehouse owners, and catering leaders across the country who understand what it takes to turn great barbecue into a profitable catering operation.
From sales and marketing to pricing, operations, customer relationships, staffing, technology, and profitability, our guests share what is actually working inside their businesses.
Whether you’re building your BBQ catering operation or looking to scale, Barbecue Catering Smarts gives you practical ideas you can put to work immediately.
Let’s Hear From You!
What was your biggest takeaway from Kendal’s story?
Do you have a younger family member or employee in your business who could bring a fresh perspective to your catering sales, marketing, or technology?
Send us a message—we’d love to hear from you.
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 Put the Next Generation to Work Growing Your Catering Business?
Kendal’s story is a reminder that fresh ideas—and new catering opportunities—may already be inside your restaurant.
By combining Hambone’s family-business foundation with social media, networking, technology, and a willingness to pursue new opportunities, Kendal is helping build toward the next generation of growth.
For BBQ operators, the takeaway is simple: give motivated people on your team room to contribute, build relationships, and actively pursue catering sales. You may be surprised by where your next growth opportunity comes from.
Tune in to Episode 42 for fresh ideas you can put to work in your own BBQ catering operation.
The BBQ Catering Business Academy is 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.
