Inspired by a longing for quality BBQ, Texas pitmaster, Chris Hunt, and his wife, Holly, decided to fill the void they were experiencing in the greater Sacramento area. With Oakhouse BBQ, Chis and Holly have created BBQ so mouthwatering that even the hate-the-wait Californians happily queue up. The love for their food is evident in the experiences they create for their customers and friends; relishing the smiles on people’s faces as they savor delicious BBQ with their loved ones.
What inspired you to get into foodservice?
“My wife and I are from Texas and when we moved to California, there was a massive void in quality BBQ. We started small and have grown into doing large events and pop-ups sharing authentic Texas BBQ with as many Californians we can!”
What do you love about your business?
“We love the experiences we create for our customers and friends. To see the reactions on their faces when they come out with their family and eat good BBQ is worth the time and effort we put into this–and then some. We also love how we’re showing our daughters what hard work and passion can earn you.”
What’s the most interesting thing to happen to your business?
“We were doing our pop-ups and meeting people and networking, working towards a plan for our brick and mortar. One afternoon, a friend who runs a successful local restaurant called and said they needed a smoker for a huge event in Sacramento. I ended up not just providing the smoker but helping cook for 800 people, which earned us the ability to start doing events with Tyler Florence. We’re now booked for several events with his team in 2024 and we can’t wait!”
What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
“It was a massive risk to go all in with a style of BBQ and service model that has people waiting in line for their food. Waiting in long lines in Texas is just what you do, but we didn’t know how that would go over on the West Coast. Each of our pop-ups has grown in scale and more and more people are adopting the stand-in-line service model. Many have even begun to bring pets and chairs and coolers; it really feels like we’re creating a little TX here in CA.”
Which Cambro products help make your business work?
“We use a bunch. We LOVE the GoBox line and use front loading and top loading boxes to keep food warm and cold. They work fantastically for transportation and service. We also use square and round storage containers as they are very well made, stack nicely, and fit into all our GoBox products and coolers. Such well-made products to help our business operate!”
About Oakhouse BBQ
Location: Rocklin, Calif.
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