Happy New Year and count down to Triple D, my 15 minutes

qfanatic01

We have had a great year here at Q fanatic BBQ. After a slow start and slow down from a banner second year, in which after all was in, was up 68%. We got several nice breaks, being listed in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, then in the Minnesota Monthly magazine with mention on several radio stations including WCCO in interviews with the writer. This was topped by the filming of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives July 3rd. Followed by a promotional appearance on Twin Cities Live.

After a busy summer, we got a bit of a break (not really) as we moved out our house of 18 years, which we lost to foreclosure as we worked through the challenges of starting over. Some risks had to be taken in order to turn this corner. We are in a better place because of it.

We have had another great year, up only 63%. We can now pay our mortgage again! We were informed a month or so ago that the final touches were being made on our segment of Triple D and that it would be premiered January 10th at 8 pm Central. I have been told to expect up to 200% increase. I hoped we meet this challenge the right way and make the most of this. We have had a chance to make some adjustments following the up tick last summer. My fear now, honestly, is how to keep the ball rolling?

We are closed the day it airs, usually, so we are taking this opportunity to have a private premiere party to thank all those who have supported us in this and over the years. I am going to smoke whole shoulders and a steamship for the party. Should be tasty.

I am looking forward to another great year and wish the same for you all.

Happy New Year
Charlie

http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/po-boys-pasta-and-pork/index.html
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The lessons are in the customer's criticism. They aren't always right. The rewards are their satisfaction.

Soapm · Posted: Jan 05 2011 Post subject:

We wish you well... Sorry to hear about the house but it sounds like you needed to dump some debt to make things work so hopefully there's smooth sailing from here... Laughing

Jarhead · Posted: Jan 05 2011 Post subject:

Charlie, here's wishin' you the best of luck in the New Year.
Keep us posted since you're a STAR now. Wink

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vtsmoker · Newbie Joined: 20 Mar 2010 Posts: 33 Location: Virginia

I have the timer set on my TV.

Harry Nutczak · Posted: Jan 06 2011 Post subject:

Q,
Congrats on getting pointed back in the right direction in your financial situation.
Talent will always prevail! And I am sure that is exactly what did it for you
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Just remember that the toes you may step on during your climb to the top will also be attached to the a$$es you'll be forced to kiss on your way back down!

kurtsara · Posted: Jan 07 2011 Post subject:

I will watch it and DVR it like I always do, I wish you were open that night
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2 Ole Hickory CTO's

qfanatic01 · Posted: Jan 07 2011 Post subject:

I'm glad we're not open and I wish everyone could be here Monday, but the fire inspector won't have it, I'm sure. At least this way I will be able to spend time with the people have helped make this happen. I think this will be the best party I've ever catered.

I've seen successful restaurateurs and thought to myself what did they do that I didn't? Many times I think the only difference between us was luck! Many of you are doing a great job out there and just haven't gotten lucky. May your turn come soon. I have shared this as inspiration. Keep up the good work.
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The lessons are in the customer's criticism. They aren't always right. The rewards are their satisfaction.

4LittlePigs · Posted: Jan 07 2011 Post subject:

Got the diver set! Can't wait to see it! Wink

All of us that are making great sacrifices to make our dream come true are right there with you. God Bless!
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ckone · Posted: Jan 11 2011 Post subject:

Just watched DDD. Way to go. Hope the party went well, good luck with the future.
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fireman_pete · Posted: Jan 12 2011 Post subject:

Watched it also, great job. True passion will prevail, and you are on the right track. Keep us updated on your progress.
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Texman · Posted: Jan 12 2011 Post subject:

Charlie we were impressed with your appearance on the show, but more so with what appeared to be a prior letter writing campaign by your customers to DDD and Guy touting your place and Q�especially since he showed portions of the letters on air�..cost effective marketing to your benefit.

Without a doubt one cannot put a financial value on this free advertising�which should bring you additional customers, volume and revenue. Keep us updated.

twojacks · Posted: Jan 12 2011 Post subject:

Charlie,
Saw the show and congrats! You love what you do and it shows, especially by all your loyal customers. I am sure the show will bring in a lot more new customers as well!

Again congrats and best of luck!
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daddywoofdawg · Posted: Jan 13 2011 Post subject:

Have you noticed and increase yet?I missed the show wanted to see it but missed it have to see when it's on again.
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qfanatic01 · Posted: Jan 13 2011 Post subject:

Thanks for the nice words. The party went great. Everyone got through the line and got settled in just in time for the show. Great time!

Of course business is up, We had a test run last summer with the great press we got then. I made adjustments that have made this comparable bump, so far, seem tame.

The big thing right now is, I have to put my big smoker inside to adhere to my state's lack of code, which they have then over compensated by using the base code, which requires floors, walls and ceilings. Even though every golf course in the state has an out door grill without a sneeze guard and they hand out temporary permits like Pez for festivals in every town in the state. Go figure? I have chosen, after a month of research, that my best option will be to put it in a concession trailer. Considering cost, it's potential and versatility it will be the best investment. I was initially told no, but I documented that it would be up to code, pretty much under protest from my health inspector. Next I am going to put my two bits in at the public input part of the planning meetings for the states revamped code. The code they choose better be the same for all food handlers or they will have a discrimination suit. I need to comply with their enforcement of least resistance to keep things going, for now. I wish my time and money was going to something I want to do.
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The lessons are in the customer's criticism. They aren't always right. The rewards are their satisfaction.

daddywoofdawg · Posted: Jan 13 2011 Post subject:

"Next I am going to put my two bits in at the public input part of the planning meetings for the states revamped code. The code they choose better be the same for all food handlers or they will have a discrimination suit."

I vend over there every summer please don't hurt us that do,by letting them make it impossible for trailer mounted smokers to vend there.
_________________
Good BBQ is all smoke and beers!
The Dawghouse Custom vertical Gasser
Custom Made offset smoker
Char grill smoker
Weber kettle

qfanatic01 · Posted: Jan 13 2011 Post subject:

Part of my issue is that they won't touch you due to the backlash. That's why I said they enforce by least resistance. I use an NSF smoker. Someone decided this makes it look like they're aggressively doing their job, when really they're selectively doing their job. BBQ places have been targeted throughout the state as an easy mark. If they tried to come down on festivals it would cost too much to enforce and they would ruin every event in the state. Not happening! They need to be fair and let me run my place by the same rules. The critical control points are more controlled in my situation. They are hurting my business. The FDA allows for supported outdoor kitchens, meaning I shouldn't have to spend 2000 bucks for a 3 compartment sink that I already have 50 feet away and will never use, let alone a 6000 dollar trailer to put it in. In fact, my rig just needs to have an awning and lighting to comply with FDA. We have county parks in the area that provide huge grills for group events that don't have that. They wanted me to bring my smoker through a wall which would have cost me just as much and taken away my portability or forced me to buy another smoker. They just need to get over themselves and save some money by adopting the revised code every year and not waste tax dollars writing their own. They can tweek the FDA code for a lot cheaper. They can't be using 15 year old code without revisions. If it's safe for a day, it's safe for a year, period.
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The lessons are in the customer's criticism. They aren't always right. The rewards are their satisfaction.

BBQMAN · Posted: Jan 13 2011 Post subject:

I'm truly sorry that like DWD I missed the show. Had it on the calendar and everything, and have a DVR so no excuses!

It shows again on January 21st at 9 PM I believe.

Congrats though on the showing, and hope the best for you moving forward.

About your HD regs: I certainly feel your pain.

Thankfully, our state has tough rules but they are (for the most part) uniform in nature/applications.

Fairs/Festivals are still much more lenient, but raunts/MFDV are pretty much held to the same standards.

We are not required to have NSF certified cookers unless the business is packing for wholesale sales (I.E. the deli down the street is buying pulled pork for re-sale).

I'm the exception to the rule probably because all my cookers are stainless steel and as clean (if not more so) than any NSF rated equipment out there.

I can see why your state has the requirement though- I have seen some really gross cookers in operation over the years.

But the same can be said for NSF rated cookers- that sticker doesn't make them safe to eat out of if improperly cared for.

To me, that requirement is ridiculous.

The trailer idea is superb, meets the requirements, and provides you a platform for mobile catering and other events (if so choose to do the festival deal).

When I travel, I tote both of Guy's DDD books with me, frequent the recommended establishments, and get the owners to sign it.

The owners all tell me that the show has been fantastic to their bottom line.

Sweeet! Cool

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smokelahoma · BBQ Fan Joined: 22 Mar 2009 Posts: 314

You can usually watch episodes on hulu.com if you missed it. sometimes it takes a few days before episodes show up.

Great press but they didn't give you enough time on there, hard to complain so I'll do it for you.
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Poppa's PTL Club · Posted: Jan 14 2011 Post subject:

I have noticed lately that unless you are doing something unusual, DDD tends to give short shrift to BBQ joints (I'm not blaming them, they are trying to keep the show fresh and having a BBQ joint on a 10 minute segment every other week or so with the customers saying "This is the best BBQ I've ever had" would get old fast)

Congratulations on putting out food good enough that there is such an outpouring of support and on the increased take from your appearance.

How are you planning to use this in your advertising? When I went to Buzz and Ned's in Richmond VA after their appearance on Throwdown with Bobby Flay, they were advertising themselves on their billboard as the "Flay Slayers" and had the episode running on a continuous loop inside the restaurant.
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qfanatic01 · Posted: Jan 16 2011 Post subject:

Saturday was the best day ever and the first time we sold near capacity of all three smokers. Should have had extra help for lunch and my daughter took a deserved day off. Things run smoother when she is on expo. Smokers are full and Sunday maybe just as busy. Folks tend to road trip on Sundays. I set up a Twitter account tonight as well. I saw they are running the show throughout the next weekend. I hope we can retain a bunch of new customers. Most seem impressed. It amazes me how many new people we are seeing that live right in the area. Folks are shy to try new places. Saw that another joint closed in the area. Sorry to see, they spent some money setting up but needed to work on consistency throughout the day. Folks commented on how good the food was at 5 when the batch came out. We stopped in at 2 and got a dried out 1/2 chicken from the day before. I think competition is good. I've heard FD's is working on things as more good BBQ and other chains are cutting into their market share.
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The lessons are in the customer's criticism. They aren't always right. The rewards are their satisfaction.