At CaterZen, we believe BBQ catering has the potential to become one of the strongest profit centers inside a restaurant — when it’s built with the right systems, the right strategy, and the right relationships. That’s exactly why we created Barbecue Catering Smarts.
Hosted by me, Michael Attias, founder of CaterZen Catering Software, this podcast is designed to give BBQ operators actionable insights, real-world strategies, and practical lessons from the pitmasters, operators, and catering leaders growing successful catering programs across the country.
We’re excited to announce Episode 35 of Barbecue Catering Smarts, featuring Tim Halls, co-founder of Burnt BBQ N’ Tacos!
Episode 35: Finding Your Niche — How Burnt BBQ N’ Tacos Built Catering Through Differentiation
In this episode, I sit down with Tim Halls to talk about how Burnt BBQ N’ Tacos carved out a unique space in one of the most competitive BBQ markets in the country.
Tim shares his journey from working in the ambulance industry to culinary school, food trucks, and ultimately building a catering-driven BBQ concept that combines traditional barbecue, tacos, and Venezuelan-inspired flavors.
What makes this conversation especially valuable for BBQ operators is that Tim doesn’t just talk about food — he talks about relationships, differentiation, repeat business, and the systems that help catering grow sustainably.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in Episode 35:
- Why finding a unique niche matters in crowded BBQ markets
- How Burnt BBQ N’ Tacos uses catering as both a revenue stream and a marketing tool
- The role ezCater played in generating early catering opportunities
- Why relationship-building is still one of the most powerful sales tools in catering
- How food sampling helps convert prospects into long-term catering customers
- The importance of reducing friction in your marketing and lead generation process
- How flexible menu offerings can help operators win more business
- Why repeat customers matter more than one-time catering sales
One of the biggest themes throughout this episode is something I talk about often: catering growth is rarely accidental.
The operators who build strong catering programs are intentional about creating relationships, staying visible, following up consistently, and finding ways to stand out in competitive markets.
For Tim, that differentiation came through combining BBQ with tacos and Venezuelan-inspired menu items — giving customers something they simply can’t get everywhere else.
And in a state like Texas, where BBQ competition exists on nearly every corner, that differentiation matters.
How to Tune In
You can listen to Episode 35 of Barbecue Catering Smarts on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full episode right here.
Why Barbecue Catering Smarts?
Barbecue Catering Smarts was built specifically for BBQ restaurant operators who want to grow catering into a predictable, scalable profit center.
Every episode focuses on real-world lessons from operators actively building catering businesses — not theory, not fluff, and not generic restaurant advice.
Whether you’re trying to:
- Increase catering inquiries
- Improve repeat business
- Build better systems
- Differentiate your BBQ brand
- Or scale catering revenue without operational chaos
…this podcast is designed to help you get there.
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 Catering Program That Stands Out?
Tim’s story is a powerful reminder that the most successful catering programs are rarely built by blending in.
They’re built by operators who understand their strengths, lean into what makes them different, and create memorable experiences customers want to come back for again and again.
If you’re serious about turning catering into a stronger, more scalable profit center for your BBQ business, 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
