Ray Brothers Barbeque was founded in 2014 with a simple goal: serve high-quality food and build something meaningful within our community. What started with 17 employees has grown into a team of 40–49, depending on the season, with 8 of their original team members still with the business today. That level of retention is something they are incredibly proud of and speaks to the culture they've worked hard to build.
RBQ's success has always been rooted in its people. The RBQ team is more than staff—it’s a family. Their dedication, consistency, and pride in what they do are the reason they have been able to grow the way they have. They make it a priority to invest back into them through competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities to grow within the company.
The company markets nationwide through retail partnerships, wholesale distributors, and its online shop. Its customer base ranges from home cooks and gift shops to restaurants and specialty spice companies. Online direct‑to‑consumer sales currently account for roughly 40% of revenue and intend to grow as new blends and products are introduced.
A major turning point for the business came through the work with the Small Business Development Center. With their guidance, they were able to step back, refine its systems, and plan for sustainable growth. That support played a key role in helping execute a major expansion, including the addition of a full bar room and a large-scale production kitchen.
That expansion has completely changed the game for the business. RBQ now has the capability to execute events serving over 4,000 meals, allowing them to take on larger catering opportunities and operate more efficiently at a higher level. We’re incredibly grateful—to the people who made it possible. Our employees, our customers, and the SBDC have all played a role in helping RBQ become what it is today.
Client quote about working with the SBDC
“The Small Business Development Center played a major role in helping us take Ray Brothers Barbeque to the next level. Their guidance gave us the structure and confidence to grow in a sustainable way. We wouldn’t be where we are today without their support.”
