After almost 10 years of catering, Brad and Sarah Emley decided to bring their BBQ business to the road by buying a food truck.
Their business, BEE-BQ, started in 2012 when they catered a graduation party for a family member.
“It created a lot of interest and people wanting the same thing for private parties. It kind of started from there,” Brad said. “We just really enjoy outdoor cooking in general.”
Once they decided to go into business, they had a friend from their church create their logo. B.E.E. is Brad’s initials, so they decided to focus their logo around a bee.
“A lot of folks know me for wearing bibs, so the bee has bibs on and is holding tongs,” Brad said. “Just a neat little take on it.”
The couple wanted to start a food truck last year, but was unable to due to COVID-19. However, Brad says they have had a lot of support now that they’ve taken this step.
“It’s overwhelming sometimes all the interest we’ve had,” Sarah said. “But it’s a good overwhelming.”
In April of 2021, Brad and Sarah bought their truck. Around this time they also started using the Huntington Arts and Entrepreneurial Center (HAEC) to prep their food. Two other food trucks in Huntington use the HAEC kitchen for this purpose.
“That building is an incubator for businesses like us. We couldn’t have done this without their commercial kitchen,” Brad said. “That’s where we are licensed through the health department and that’s where we prep all our food.”
Because of their proximity, Brad says he is trying to create opportunities for Huntington based food trucks to grow business together.
“We’ve been giving each other leads and work,” Brad said. “I’ve been trying to create a community amongst the four trucks based out of (Huntington). We kind of have this little emerging food truck scene.”
BEE-BQ has done four events from their truck so far with many more booked for the future.
Their main menu items are pulled pork, chopped brisket, ribs and pulled chicken on occasion. They also cater sliced brisket and chicken quarters.
Their sides include creamy sweet cole slaw, smoked macaroni and cheese, apple pie pit beans, Midwest green beans and grilled potato salad.
“We are really proud of our sides. All scratch-made sides,” Brad said. “Absolutely everything is 100 percent original.”
They also sell their homemade sauces in bulk.
Though they have a main menu, Brad says they are always trying new things.
On Tuesday, June 8, they did Taco Tuesday for the first time and sold out in two and a half hours.
“I just couldn’t believe it,” Brad said.
He went on to say, “This is an authentic recipe that we’ve eaten at home for a long time when we had leftover brisket or pulled pork. She (Sarah) came up with these amazing taco recipes.”
One of their goals for the future is to do “regular pop-ups” events throughout the week.
To stay informed on where these pop-ups will be, follow BEE-BQ on Facebook or Instagram.
Individuals interested in BEE-BQ’s catering services may also contact them through Facebook or Instagram or by e-mailing beebqforyou@gmail.com.
