Meet Corey Stephens | BBQ Expert and Restaurateur

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

Hi Corey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting Luckey’s BBQ Place was in my blood! Spending time in prayer and asking for guidance and wisdom is first and foremost for me and my family. I also had to consider, my thought process a few key components:
1. If I didn’t have a genuine love for BBQ I wouldn’t be here. Passion is critical because running a restaurant can be tough, and having a deep connection to the food keeps my motivation high.
2. As far as our location in Marietta. It was heaven-sent. I’d look for a location with good foot traffic, visibility, and an audience that loves BBQ. Ideally, we were blessed with our location at 2365 Powder Springs Rd Marietta, GA.
3. My wife and I brainstormed what would set Luckey’s BBQ Place apart. We wanted to provide delicious BBQ meals at reasonable prices, making dining out accessible for families and individuals on a budget. Comfort food that resonates with cultural traditions and personal memories. A modern-day BBQ “Cheers” a community restaurant.
4. Finally, I have long-term plans—that include expanding to new locations across the world and marketing our seven BBQ sauce lines. I have learned to trust that God’s timing is perfect.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a restaurant owner, I am passionate about the craft and committed to providing a warm, welcoming environment where people can enjoy great food and make memories of their own. I take pride in the quality of the food, the experience of the customers, and maintaining a connection to the community. For me, it’s not just about running a business—it’s about creating a place where people feel like they belong, a space that represents tradition, family, and togetherness.
I’d dedicate the shoutout to a mix of people who inspire the spirit behind “Luckey’s BBQ Place.” First and foremost, I’d give thanks to God for guidance and the blessings that make the dream possible. My family, especially my amazing wife, for being the rock and partner in this journey, and my beautiful hardworking daughter Sydni who works with me after school. I’d also give special recognition to my Uncle Sidney—his influence, wisdom, and love for BBQ truly sparked this passion. Finally, a shoutout to friends and the community, because their support and encouragement will help bring this vision to life. They all deserve credit for being part of this story.

Our Story: Luckey’s BBQ Place
At Luckey’s BBQ Place, we believe in more than just serving food—we aim to create memories with every meal. Our journey began with a shared love for great BBQ and the warmth of community. The idea of opening a restaurant has always been close to our hearts, but it wasn’t just about starting any business; it was about capturing the essence of family gatherings, the kind of place where everyone knows your name and feels at home. We wanted to bring back the spirit of true southern hospitality, much like the friendly vibe of Cheers, but with smoky, mouthwatering BBQ as the centerpiece.

What Sets Us Apart
What makes Luckey’s different from other BBQ joints is our commitment to authenticity, flavor, and community. Every dish we serve is crafted with love and attention to detail, honoring time-tested recipes while bringing something fresh to the table. We pride ourselves on offering top-quality BBQ at reasonable prices, making it accessible to everyone in our community. It’s not just about the food; it’s about creating a place where friends, families, and even strangers can come together over a shared meal.
Our focus isn’t on being the biggest restaurant around, but on being the most beloved by the people who matter most to us—our customers. We put the “heart” in hearty meals, and nothing makes us prouder than hearing stories of people bonding over our food, just as we did growing up.

The Journey to Today
Our path to opening Luckey’s BBQ Place wasn’t without its challenges. In fact, it was anything but easy. Like many entrepreneurs, we faced the daunting task of balancing passion with the reality of starting a business from scratch. There were countless late nights of planning, financial hurdles, and the steep learning curve of navigating the restaurant industry. But our love for BBQ and our dream of creating a community hub kept us going.
We overcame the challenges by leaning on the support of our loved ones and staying true to God’s vision. It was about more than just surviving; it was about finding a way to thrive, despite the obstacles. What kept us grounded was remembering why we started in the first place: to share the flavors and traditions we hold dear with others.

What We’ve Learned
Through this journey, we’ve learned that building a business isn’t just about creating a product—it’s about creating an experience. The people who walk through our doors aren’t just customers; they’re family. We’ve learned that success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes patience, grit, and a lot of heart. And most importantly, we’ve learned that the most valuable part of this whole adventure is the people we meet along the way.

Our Message to the World
We want people to know that Luckey’s BBQ Place isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a home away from home, a place where the flavors are bold, the atmosphere is welcoming, and everyone feels like they belong. We pour our hearts into every dish we make, and we do it all for the love of community and the joy of bringing people together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Arrival in Atlanta
Morning:
• Breakfast: Start at Southern Fusion in Jonesboro for their famous Peach Cobbler Waffle and Southern comfort food.
Afternoon:
• Visit: Explore Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The gardens are stunning and offer a great way to unwind.
Evening:
• Dinner: Head to Ponce City Market. Grab food from one of the many vendors, and enjoy the rooftop amusement park for some fun city views.
Day 2: Downtown Atlanta
Morning:
• Breakfast: Toast on Lenox
• That sounds like a fun trip! Here’s a week-long itinerary that balances food,
• Visit: Check out the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola. Both are very engaging and great for photos.
• Evening:
• Dinner: Eat at Chef Rob’s for some delicious Caribbean cuisine.
• Nightlife: Head to The Battery Atlanta for bars and live music.
Day 3: Culture and History
• Morning:
• Breakfast: Go to The Breakfast Boys.
• Afternoon:
• Visit: Tour the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and learn about civil rights history.
Dinner: Fish Thyme for fresh seafood and a great time.
• Nightlife: Catch a movie at The Strand Theatre if they have a special showing.
Day 4: Nature and Adventure
• Morning:
• Breakfast: Grab breakfast Grits and Eggs.
• Afternoon:
• Visit: Spend the day at Kennesaw Mountain Park. You can hike, and enjoy the scenic views.
• Evening:
• Dinner: Enjoy a casual dinner at Capers in Kennesaw.
• Nightlife: Check out Krog Street Market for unique drinks and live music.
Day 5: Art and Shopping
• Hit up Peter’s St galleries and stop for lunch.
Day 6: Relaxation and Departure
• Treat your Feet Buford Hwy Location

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d dedicate the shoutout to a mix of people who inspire the spirit behind “Luckey’s BBQ Place.” First and foremost, I’d give thanks to God for guidance and the blessings that make the dream possible. My family, especially my amazing wife Shawna, for being the rock and partner in this journey, and my beautiful daughter. Sydni. I’d also give special recognition to my Uncle Sidney—his influence, wisdom, and love for BBQ truly sparked this passion. Finally, a shoutout to friends and the community, because their support and encouragement will help bring this vision to life. They all deserve credit for being part of this story.

Website: https://www.luckeysbbqplace.com

Instagram: @luckeysbbqplace

Facebook: Luckeys BBQ Place

Image Credits
DeMargot Photography- food shots only