At CaterZen, we’re focused on helping BBQ restaurant operators turn catering into a true profit center—and Barbecue Catering Smarts is your go-to resource for making that happen.
Hosted by me, Michael Attias, founder of CaterZen Catering Software, this podcast delivers actionable insights, expert advice, and real-world strategies from operators who are actually doing it. Every episode dives into the challenges and opportunities unique to BBQ catering—so you can build smarter systems, drive more revenue, and scale with confidence.
We’re excited to announce Episode 34 of Barbecue Catering Smarts, featuring Mark Avalos, founder of Stack City BBQ!
Episode 34: From Hip-Hop to High-Volume Catering — How Stack City BBQ Built a Brand That Travels
In this episode, I sit down with Mark Avalos, founder of Stack City BBQ, a Texas barbecue brand built on bold flavors, hip-hop culture, hospitality, and a customer experience people remember.
Mark’s story started in the backyard, moved to a trailer, grew into a food truck, expanded into brick-and-mortar locations, and eventually became a catering program that now represents a major part of the business. As Mark shares in the episode, catering has “always followed” him because it’s where the business began.
What makes this conversation so valuable is how practical it gets. Mark doesn’t talk about catering growth as a quick marketing trick. He talks about the fundamentals: relationships, responsiveness, consistency, customer service, and creating an experience that makes people want to come back.
Here’s what you’ll learn in Episode 34:
- How Mark turned backyard cookouts into a recognizable BBQ catering brand
- Why relationships with venues, agencies, and repeat customers compound over time
- How Stack City BBQ grew catering to around 25% of sales
- Why simply responding quickly can separate you from other caterers
- How branding, music, and experience help create memorable customer demand
- Why BBQ operators need to protect margins with smart menu and buffet strategy
- How systems and CRM tools help creative operators stay organized as catering grows
This episode is a strong reminder that catering sales don’t grow by accident. They grow when operators build trust, stay visible, answer the phone, follow up, and give customers a reason to recommend them again and again.
How to Tune In
You can listen to Episode 34 of Barbecue Catering Smarts on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full episode right here.
Why Barbecue Catering Smarts?
This podcast goes beyond surface-level advice—it’s built for BBQ operators who want to grow catering sales with proven systems and real-world strategies.
Each episode is designed to help you:
- Build a stronger catering foundation
- Increase revenue without increasing complexity
- Learn from operators running high-performing BBQ catering programs
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, Barbecue Catering Smarts gives you the insights you need to succeed.
Let’s Hear From You!
What’s the biggest challenge in your catering business right now?
Is it generating consistent leads? Increasing order size? Building repeat business?
Send us a message—we may feature your question or topic in an upcoming episode of Barbecue Catering Smarts.
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 BBQ Brand That Travels?
Mark’s story is a reminder that the strongest catering brands aren’t built on food alone.
They’re built on trust. Responsiveness. Consistency. Relationships. And a customer experience people remember long after the event is over.
If you’re serious about turning catering into a predictable, scalable profit center, this episode will help you think differently about how to create demand, protect your reputation, and build a BBQ catering program people keep coming back to.
Launching Soon: The BBQ Catering Business Academy - for Operators Who Want More Sales (Without More Chaos)
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
Join the waitlist and be the first to know when doors open:
bbqcateringbusinessacademy.com
