We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenneth A. Beverly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenneth A., can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
What drove me towards the decision to owning my own business was the need to be home with my family. For the past decade, I worked for a medical device company which required me to travel each week installing and later managing audio/video systems installations. I had the chance to travel all across America, Canada and Mexico two, maybe even three times over. Being away from home for so long and so much gave way to me missing so many special moments in my Wife and kids’ life and I was ready for a change. On top of it all, I was really good in the kitchen and knew my way around the BBQ pit so I made the decision to make catering my full-time occupation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

As mentioned previously, I was a traveling project manager that had the opportunity to travel the country and even more so a chance to experience many different styles of BBQ and Cajun style dishes. We got our start participating in local BBQ competitions in the Houston Area back in 2014. Soon after, I was offered a promotion which required us to relocate into the southern Illinois area and were soon met with a problem. We no longer had all the food we loved to eat available to buy. So, with that very thought we began to learn how to recreate the Cajun dishes and sausages we had come to love.

It took many years of trial and error to perfect our selection of smoked meats and sausages but through persistence, we dialed in on the flavor structure we’d come to love. Plus, side to all that is the people love that great taste as well and we soon became highly recommended throughout the community. We were faced with a problem, created a solution and plan then put it into action which now produces a profit. During this process I believe I can say the most valuable lessons we learned along the way was to push through road blocks and to never give up on that dream, PERSISTANCE. You have to learn to enjoy the good times and the bad. They both have something to teach you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When Smokin Ks comes home our first stop is and will always be Lopez Mexican restaurant located off Wilcrest in the southwest. That has been one of the best places for us to enjoy great Tex-Mex cuisines. Our favorite dish being the ground beef enchiladas! Next on the list would be Frenchys Chicken also located in the southwest right off Hilcroft and 59. These folks have perfected the art of fried chicken. We usually tend to spend our evenings around the mid-town area enjoying great friends, music and drinks. We always find ourselves ending every visit to Houston in Galveston. By far will always be my favorite place to visit. So many great memories of fishing, family and fun times.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This journey to business ownership has been a challenge and would not have been possible if not for the phenomenal support system we’ve acquired over the past few years. A huge shot out to all our family and friends that have supported our business in each and every way. All the love and support that has come from the City of Marion, IL. and Mo City,Texas community has been truly inspiring. It keeps us pushing to do better each day. To my Wife, so much appreciation for all that she does! She keeps the business thriving and growing each week all while working a full-time job of her own! Turning dreams into reality!

Website: www.smokinksbbqandcajuncuisine.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/smokinksbbqandcajuncuisine

Other: Tic Tok : @smokinksbbq.cajuncuisine

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