Today we’d like to introduce you to Emerson Holliday.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my BBQ business after losing my job, like many others, to the COVID-19 pandemic, making my dream into a reality. I used my federal stimulus monies to purchase my very own smoker on a trailer. I started doing small events, then eventually found my way to a pop-up shared kitchen space. I shared time with several other pop-up entrepreneurs for four years, going from a 10×10 tent to owning my own food truck. After owning my food truck for a year, I was blessed with obtaining my lease for my now, brick and mortar full-service restaurant.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it was not a smooth road at all! I started during the pandemic. Not to mention just down the street, in the next city, we were making national news because they were setting cars on fire, shootings, fights, etc. People, my customers, were scared to come outside let alone spend money on bbq. I had to sell my dry rubs I use for cooking and promote meal prep ideas, anything to bring in customers. Due to it being a shared kitchen space, I couldn’t use it any time I wanted so I worked as an employee for the other restaurants that were utilizing the venue. I created social media platforms to obtain my presence in the culinary space just to continuously grow my customer base. I set up my tent at the library for lunches each week in order to get customers to try my food. I just constantly and consistently grew my menu, my customers, and my knowledge day by day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Dragon Pit BBQ?
I am known for serving Texas style smoked bbq in a small Midwest town. I utilize my culinary background in fine dining and family traditions to excel at my craft. I study my culture and heritage to share it with my community so they also can enjoy the delicious cuisines. I make everything from scratch and spend time perfecting every recipe so customers would even be proud to bring their parents in to enjoy a meal together. I love changing the perception of bbq enthusiasts with my delicate balance of smoke and spices on all my food.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have been surrounded by a great network of community support from day one. I am blessed to have been raised by a single mother that pushed me to strive for greatness and a dad with an entrepreneur spirit. I have a fantastic partner that has taught me the financial and business side of the restaurant. I have always had the motivation to keep pushing myself and stay positive in any situation. I have also worked side by side with talented chefs that gave me so much important knowledge.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dragonpitbbq.com
- Instagram: dragonpittbbq
- Facebook: Dragon Pit BBQ
