Meet Buzz Schuster | Pitmaster/owner operator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Buzz Schuster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Buzz, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
We have been in this industry for 25 plus years. We have been a part of several concepts and organizations it only made since for us to take all of our knowledge and experiences combine them and start our own business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I don’t feel as though there is any one thing that sets me apart from others. You would have to ask others that question. I just try and do any job to the best of my abilities. As I already stated the people that worked with me is how I got to where I am today professionally. No it was not easy. Integrity, consistency and hard work is how I overcame the challenges of the restaurant business. Lessons I’ve learned along the way is lead by example work with integrity and remain consistent on how you work and manage people. Everyone has a different personality therefore you have to be able manage people differently. What works with some may not work with others. Our brand just wants to make good food for great people. We are a passionate and hard working group who have a ton of respect for this business and want to take our business as far as we can. Our story is we are all childhood friends that have grown up in the restaurant business who have gotten an opportunity to do business together and plan on taking it as far as we can.

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.
We would definitely go by Stage kitchen and Bar in Peachtree Corners. There Global Cuisine is some of the best especially the Sushi. For our Cuban fix we would definitely have to check out Mojitos at the Forum also in Peachtree Corners. Fri and Sat nights they have live music and the Latin vibe is one of the best in the city not to mention the Mojitos are great as well.
The Battery is also another place we would check out there is tons of stuff to check out there as well
For a great Steak and a good cigar we would have to go to Chops Lobster bar
Cool speakeasy with great atmosphere and cocktails I would say Eleanor’s in Cumberland or The War Horse
We would also have to get a cigar my two go to places are Cutters in Windward and a place close to my house in Snellville called Humidors
A couple of great Bars we would go to would be The Groove on La Vista in Decatur and Padricas Cumberland Pkwy

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All of the credit goes to my family, peers, employees, vendor relationships and guest relationships that I have had through out the years. With out their support and their belief in me I wouldn’t be where I am today. Everyone I have encountered through out life has had some type of influence on me personally and professionally.

Website: southendsmokehouse.com

Instagram: southendsmokehouse