Our Team

Jay

I'm a very enthusiastic grilling and bbq fan. I get so excited just to talk to people about cooking on the grill,  it's truly a passion of mine.  Thankfully married since 1995 with 3 children that I hope one day will carry on my enthusiasm for grilling and bbq. I'm a proud mechanical engineering graduate from Fresno state in the heart of central California. 

I have been practicing the art of grilling and bbq since about 2003. I have had many different types of cookers and I was able to learn so much about how they work differently. I have had the pleasure cooking for so many people and events. However, it was always nerve wrecking but exciting. I wanted to do well and make people happy. with my food.

I had a brief but successful and popular catering business called Belly Rub BBQ. Where I cooked for exclusive events only, kept everything homemade and created memories throughout my town. In 2012, I competed in my first and only Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) sanctioned bbq contest. It was quite the lesson where I learned that many competitors cook almost every weekend during the summer and that's what it takes to score well. I also learned how subjective bbq could be so I took another plunge and got certified as a bbq judge. Where I stated the oath that I still follow. Say it outloud with me…. 

"I do solemnly swear to objectively and subjectively evaluate each Barbeque meat that is presented to my eyes, my nose, my hands and my palate. I accept my duty to be an Official KCBS Certified Judge, so that truth, justice, excellence in Barbeque and the American Way of Life may be strengthened and preserved forever."

Yea so, keywords. Objectively and Subjectively! What the heck? Basically even if it's not prepared the way you like or not cut you dont like, you still need to judge, does it taste good? Does it look good? Is the texture good? I learned that this is what the judges were expecting. I plan to keep learning and getting better and one day put a team together and hit the circuit. 

Basically, I am a “bbq guy”, I want to learn as much as I can and when I discover something new, I'm eager to share it with others. I want to find some great proteins to prepare and cook for hours on end just to share it with others to create more happiness in this world. I practice this theory in life and business and I find it makes the world a better place! Well, in my world at least. 

Wes

I’m a happily married father of 2 beautiful girls.  I live in the heart of California’s central valley.  We have both palm and pine trees but no beaches or mountains as I like to say.  I’ve lived here all my life growing up in and around the agricultural business (if you’re from here, chances are you know someone or are related to someone in the business).  We’re pretty fortunate to be so close to so much great food.  Some of the best meats, vegetables, and fruit come from where I live.  

Growing up with grilling and BBQ is one of my favorite childhood memories and is what I consider to be a part of my family's culture and tradition.  I remember being fascinated by the kettle when my dad would do something special for Sunday dinner.  Whether it be steaks, tri-tip or some other delicious meat.  I would always look forward to the smell of the grill going and being around the food while it was cooking.  

I didn't start to realize that new foods were exciting though until I met my wife.  I definitely married into a whole new world of food.  She comes from Southeast Asian culture that has some pretty amazing food.  Her family’s food really is something that has inspired me and expanded my palate. 

When we moved into our first house about 10 years ago, I bought my first Weber kettle.  I had a rocky start learning to cook on it but since then I’ve learned new methods and techniques to cook almost anything.  From humble hotdogs to prime steaks and grilled lobster.  I love grilling and cooking with charcoal and carrying on my family’s tradition of going big on Sunday with something cooked with fire.

I’ve gone through lots of hobbies but grilling and BBQ have stuck with me throughout the years. It’s very rewarding to share with your friends and family.  I hope to share my experiences and what I've learned with you.

Frankie

I. Love. Food. Aside from it being tasty AF, It’s my love language. I also firmly believe that there isn’t anything that can’t be accomplished over a good plate of food. Add barbecue to the mix and it’s win.  

I grew up in the Central Valley and after some time on the East coast while studying at Brown University, I’ve called sunny San Diego home since 2011 where my Partner and I live in North Park.

My passion for food and cooking stems from a desire to care for the people around me - many of my best memories are with friends and family over a shared meal - and what better way to do that then feeding someone!

While most of my culinary experience has been in the kitchen, I’m no stranger to outdoor cooking - even if it has been on a gas grill! I’m eager to learn more about the bbq world, teach some new techniques and share my journey with you!

By day I’m in operations for a hydroponic nutrient supply company, and when I’m not enjoying the joys of outdoor cooking you can find me volunteering for some amazing organizations including San Diego Pride, DTLA Proud and Palm Springs Pride.