Nearly
four years ago, I began cooking and selling BBQ to friends and family as a way
of offsetting what I cooked for myself and to help pay for the smoker. Due to word-of-mouth advertising, mostly from
Laurie & David (Big Daddy Dave), I continually gained new customers until I
had about 15 who ordered regularly and another 10 or so who bought on occasion.
I’ve
been cooking once per month and while prepping and cooking in April, I realized
it felt way more like work than fun so I made the decision to take a break and
I laid-off my sales staff – named above J.
I will continue to BBQ for our table and perhaps a little for friends on
occasion, but it will only be when the mood strikes me and we have a hankering
for smoked meat.
I’m
sure I will not reopen during the summer as it will be RV season and playing
around with a hot smoker in the hot weather is definitely not fun – I’d
actually rather cook in the January snow than the August heat – I can always
put on more clothes but quickly hit a limit going the other way.
So
if I do reopen, it won’t be before fall and in the meantime, I hope to do some
blog worthy cooking. This is the last two business racks of loin
back ribs heading for the smoker rubbed with a mixture of Billy Bones Original and XXX Cherry – they looked great coming off, but I forgot
to get a shot.
Photos
best if enlarged by clicking on them.
Have
a great day and thanks for stopping by Almost Heaven South.
Larry
If it's too much like work, don't do it. Know you must have had some very happy customers though.
ReplyDeleteSam
Hey enjoy your summer, have fun and a delicious new adventure! take care!
ReplyDeleteSorry for your customers, but you come first. Can't make fun turn into work. We have actually been talking ribs around here also. Yummmmm...
ReplyDeleteWHEW! When I first saw the title I thought you were going to tell us you weren't going to blog anymore. I'm glad for me but not so glad for your BBQ customers. Had to chuckle over the sentence about laying off your sales staff ... that'll teach em. I'll be thinking about you and your big party this weekend. Wish I could be there.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand that feeling, Larry. I had my own personal chef business about 10 years ago and that's what happened to me. One day I was getting ready to go to a clients house and all of a sudden I felt as if I was working! It's good you recognized the feeling and took care of yourself!
ReplyDeleteLarry, Good thing that we stocked up on ribs and brisket before you halted operations! We actually might have to cook for some of our guests this summer... Bummer for us...good for you and Bev! Happy RVing...and safe travels. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave and Laurie
ReplyDeleteYou deserve a break! Cooking's not fun when it feels like work. Have a fun summer and relax!
ReplyDeleteDon't blame you, Larry.... We all need breaks from things in life at one time or another.... AND--life changes and priorities change... Don't feel bad at all.. People will understand...
ReplyDeleteWe've had so much rain that our Liquid Fence is not working. The deer ate some of our rose buds and about half of our lily buds... I just sat down and cried.. The roses will come back --but not the lilies... So disheartening... Makes us wonder about WHY we take all of the time and work and expense to have beautiful flowers when things like this happens.... BUT--life goes on!
Hugs,
Betsy
You're right; it's time to quit when something goes from being fun to being a chore.
ReplyDeleteOn the plus side, you should be able to enjoy your road trips more now, knowing you don't have this chore waiting for you at the end.
I agree with you...if it isn't fun anymore and is more like work...which can become drudgery, then it is time to take a break. You will enjoy your time cruising in the RV! Hope you have a nice summer. It looks like our trip to the South is going to be in October...hope to cross paths sometime...
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling there are disappointed friends and customers. But I hope you will use your time away from the smoker to take some great RV trips. I also hope you get some great pictures to share with us.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there will be many unhappy people who were customers but I totally get your decision! Especially since you have Madison living with you now. Enjoying your friends and family comes first.
ReplyDeleteWhen your passion becomes work-it is not fun anymore. Enjoy your break!
ReplyDeleteI am positive I would have ordered your smoked meat on a regular basis has I lived closer (smile).
Velva
I agree Larry -- it's got to be enjoyable! Glad that you'll still be blogging
ReplyDeleteRoz
What starts off as a fun project often turns into a job. Enjoy your summer...life is too short not to do what you enjoy and everyone will understand.
ReplyDeleteDespite all of the various rubs I have used over the years, Billy Bones (comp and cherry mixed)is still one of my favorites. Had a great time this weekend at Almost Heaven South!
ReplyDeleteMany people take years to figure out what you just did. If it feels like work, don't do it. Young people need to figure that out when they are young and find a career they love and enjoy- life is too short! Work hard, but let it be fun work. I worked my butt off as an ICU nurse but loved it! Enjoy your summer and driving the country with your family. But I am glad you are still cooking and blogging:)
ReplyDelete