Embedded Files
About Blue Suede BBQ
About Blue Suede BBQ
Our Story
Blue Suede BBQ began with a Memphis childhood full of soul, smoke, sauce, and competition. Growing up where barbecue is woven into community life taught me that great food builds relationships and heals hearts. I began the company in 2021, initially selling my sauces and rubs to family and friends. After serving twenty years as an Army officer and retiring in 2025, I turned that love of barbecue into a food truck business with a clear mission: to use my craft to serve others and honor God through hospitality. Military service sharpened my discipline and attention to detail; faith shaped my purpose. Together those influences created a business that cooks with excellence and serves with humility.
Mission and Values
Our mission is simple and bold: be the hands & feet of Jesus by being Difference Makers through the world of BBQ. We measure success not only by awards and satisfied customers but by lives touched, communities strengthened, and opportunities created for others. Faith, service, and excellence guide every decision—from the way we season a brisket to how we show up at a community event.
What We Offer
Award-winning barbecue rooted in Memphis tradition and competition-proven techniques.
BBQ classes for beginners through advanced pitmasters, taught with patience and practical tips.
Catering services for weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, private parties, and neighborhood gatherings.
Community partnerships that prioritize local vendors, small businesses, and charitable causes.
Philanthropy and Community Work
Giving back is part of who we are. Blue Suede BBQ proudly supports the Live Like Lou Foundation, Kitchen Goat Feeds, and the Phi Delta Theta Foundation, and we regularly partner with other local charities and small businesses to amplify impact. The Live Like Lou Foundation (livelikelou.org) aggressively fights ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) through clinical research and graciously supports ALS warriors and their families through grants, community outreach, and service projects. In addition to serving ALS families throughout North Carolina, we have a standing fundraising campaign through our point of sale system that allows our customers to "round up" their purchase and donate to Live Like Lou. Additionally, proceeds from the sales of our TAR HE4L East Carolina vinegar sauce benefit Live Like Lou.
Kitchen Goat Feeds (thekitchengoat.com) is a non-profit located in Nashville, NC whose mission is to provide grocery store gift cards to cancer patients. Wanting to fight the financial insecurity facing patients due to the chemotherapy treatments and other expenses, Kitchen Goat Feeds raises funds, in partnership with Food Lion, to supply gift cards to cancer patients throughout North Carolina. Each March, they host a barbecue competition that typically raises over $10,000 for their mission.
The Phi Delta Theta Foundation (https://phideltatheta.org/get-involved/giving/) exists to strengthen men for life by building on the tradition of their core values: Friendship, Sound Learning and Rectitude. The Foundation grants $1 million annually in scholarships, fellowships, and educational grants to help Phis on their pursuit of greatness.
Whether feeding first responders, fundraising for families in need, or mentoring aspiring pitmasters, we use our kitchen as a platform to serve, bless, and create opportunities for others.
Awards and Teaching
We compete, we win, and we teach. In only a few short years, Blue Suede BBQ has earned multiple barbecue awards that reflect our commitment to craft. These awards include:
People's Choice winner: Pork (2024), Battle of the BBQ, Nashville, NC
People's Choice winner: Pork (2025), Battle of the BBQ, Nashville, NC
First place: Tomato-based sauce (2025), Pinehurst Barbecue Festival, Pinehurst, NC
First place: Dry rub (2025), Pinehurst Barbecue Festival, Pinehurst, NC
First place: Wings (2026), Food Truck Battle: Wing Edition, Red's Corner, Southern Pines, NC
I also lead hands-on classes so others can learn the techniques that made those wins possible—because great barbecue is meant to be shared. If you want food that tastes like home, service that reflects faith, and a partner who cares about people as much as plates, let’s talk. Book a class, request catering, or reach out to Chris at Blue Suede BBQ to start a conversation.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse