Meet Diana Maione | CEO of Richi-Dee’s BBQ

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

Hi Diana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

My friend Richi and I enjoyed good food, friends and family. We were invited to a friend’s BBQ party one summer day and were asked to assist in the kitchen. We had ribs to work with and peaches straight from Georgia. So we brainstormed on what to make, we came up with a Bold Peach BBQ sauce to accompany the ribs. It was absolutely delish. The aroma that filled the air, of sweet peaches, spices and tomatoes. We grilled the ribs to finish them off with the homemade Bold Peach BBQ. By the time we sat down to eat, we only got one rib each after that they were all gone. Our Bold Peach BBQ sauce was a hit! Tragedy had struck, when Richi lost his battle to cancer. I created a line of signature BBQ sauces that celebrated who we were and what we enjoyed. In 2012, Richi-Dee’s BBQ was born and shared to keep the memories alive.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I currently work as a deli manager at my local grocery store. What sets me apart is my customer service, I’m a very good listener and also a great provider. I love bringing smiles to people faces and going over and beyond for my customer. I worked for my parents restaurant since a young age. I’ve held all positions in a restaurant and came across many challenges. When it came time to running my own business, I was able to dive in confidently. It was not easy as every obstacle became a learning curve for me. I adapt quickly and was able to move in my own timing, which made the journey more enjoyable. It was not easy some days, not knowing where your finances were going to come from or if you had enough ingredients to make the product, just to make a sale or to see a smile. If it weren’t for tough days like these, I would not know what victory is. I overcame my challenges by leaning into God, trusting myself and trusting that Richi would not lead me astray. I’ve learned that it is your journey and no one else’s to experience. There is no rush to get to the next level of achievements, so celebrate the small one’s. Pour your all into what you do each day, because at the end of the day that may be all that you get to give. We never know what the day will hold, so live each day with joy and be grateful. I hope to share my memories and passion with the world in my cooking, too create a healthy condiment that not only holds flavor; but to also bring family, friends and family back together at the table.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my friend to some great local eateries, museums, possibly a play or concert. Find some local bands playing. Go hiking. Play some games that consist of critical thinking. Go to an arcade. Go shopping. Go into the city and people watch. Get dessert and coffee. Cook a homemade meal, light a campfire, walk the beach at moonlight. Do an art class together.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank God for giving me the opportunity to be able to show up for myself and having learned the lessons, I needed in order to grow my business successfully .I would also like to thank my father and mother for teaching me the ways around in the kitchen. I would also like to thank all of my family and friends for always supporting me and helping Richi-Dee’s BBQ to grow.

Website: richi-deesbbq.com

Instagram: richideesbbq

Facebook: facebook.com/richideesbbq

Image Credits
Justin Ryan Photography