At CaterZen, we believe BBQ catering can become a powerful profit center when it’s built with intention, strong systems, and a clear understanding of what makes the business actually work. 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 38 of Barbecue Catering Smarts, featuring Phillip Livingston, owner of Baby-Boyz BBQ!
Episode 38: From Trailer to Catering Hall — How Baby-Boyz BBQ Built a Community-Driven Business with Phillip Livingston
In this episode, I sit down with Phillip Livingston to talk about how getting laid off, watching a barbecue show on Food Network, and buying a Southern Pride smoker eventually turned into a 22-year barbecue business.
Phillip’s story is one a lot of BBQ operators can learn from. He started with a smoker on a trailer, worked events after his full-time job, handed out samples, knocked on doors, and built Baby-Boyz BBQ one customer at a time.
But as Phillip shares in this episode, growth did not happen overnight.
For years, he balanced his day job with building the business, eventually opening a brick-and-mortar location before later buying and renovating a former Dollar General building. Today, Baby-Boyz BBQ includes a restaurant, catering operation, and catering hall, with even more opportunities ahead.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in Episode 38:
- How Phillip went from getting laid off to starting a barbecue business
- Why a Southern Pride smoker gave him the confidence to get started
- How handing out samples helped turn strangers into customers
- Why word-of-mouth became one of Baby-Boyz BBQ’s biggest growth drivers
- What Phillip learned from his father about consistency, pride, and customer care
- Why location can impact how customers understand what your business offers
- How buying and renovating a larger building opened the door to new revenue opportunities
- Why a catering hall can create additional upside for restaurant operators
- How community events and local collaborations help bring in new customers
- Why customer appreciation and consistency are critical to long-term catering growth
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that catering growth is built one relationship at a time.
As Phillip says, you have to appreciate your customers because you’re only as good as your last customer. And if you want people to keep coming back, consistency matters.
How to Tune In
You can listen to Episode 38 of Barbecue Catering Smarts on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full episode right here.
Why Barbecue Catering Smarts?
Barbecue Catering Smarts was created specifically for BBQ restaurant operators who want to grow catering into a predictable, scalable profit center.
Each episode features successful operators, pitmasters, and catering leaders who share what’s actually working in their businesses — from sales and marketing to operations, customer experience, staffing, technology, and profitability.
Whether you’re just getting started with catering or looking to scale an established operation, you’ll walk away with practical ideas you can implement immediately.
Let’s Hear From You!
What was your biggest takeaway from this episode?
Are there specific BBQ catering topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes?
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 Build a Catering Business That Keeps Customers Coming Back?
Phillip’s story is a reminder that successful catering growth is not just about getting more orders.
It’s about showing up consistently, appreciating your customers, creating a strong reputation, and building the kind of community presence that keeps your business top of mind.
If you’re serious about turning BBQ catering into a more predictable and profitable revenue stream, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can start applying immediately.
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
