Meet McKenzie Bunn | BBQ pitmaster/enthusiast

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

Hi McKenzie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had a passion and a love for cooking. As a kid, watching my grandmother do her thing in the kitchen, I was always intrigued by the process and the love that went into cooking a great meal. As I got older, I learned by watching my Dad who had always had a love for BBQ. He caters as well, so watching him increased that love for cooking even more. The steps and process of smoking and grilling “low & slow” was what did it for me. And as I grew older, it was naturally a no-brainer as to what I wanted to do.

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 am truly proud of actually taking a leap of faith and achieving my dreams. It’s been steady but I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. Getting better in my craft, perfecting my flavor profile and just getting honest criticism from family and friends definitely goes a long way at making you better in what you love to do. We’ve have done numerous tailgates from GA, Alabama, to Fla. We’ve done so many caterings from anywhere to 10-150 people and it’s been an overwhelming experience. Word of mouth has played a part as well, because who doesn’t love good food? And if the people love it, they will spread the word. It hasn’t been easy, and of course there’s always little bumps in the road. Some may love what you do and some may not. Many will not pick you and your brand and that’s OK. But there’s always that 1 to 2 out of 10 that love you and what you do and what you represent and they will tell the masses and that’s what matters. Never letting your “bad cook moments” or your mistakes dictate your worth. Learn from them, and get better. Mistakes can make you better, if you learn from them. Setting short term goals is a must, in order to reach the long term goals. Do pop ups, use social media and build your following, don’t stay quiet- let people know, “I’m here and I’m ready and I can do this, come check me out!” I want the world to know that I’m coming… Me and my BBQue Crew is coming. We looking to enter competitions and do more for the community as well. And of course, feed you the best Que we can do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve always been a homebody. But every now and then when family and friends come in town, we definitely want to show them a good time. If you’re looking for ATL Staples: The World of Coca-Cola, The GA Aquarium, The College football Hall of Fame. Any brewery is a win-win as well, spots like Sweetwater, Tucker Brewing, Scafflaw. Man it’s so many good breweries in GA. And the food scene is to die for. Two Urban Licks, La Paria, Fogo De Chao… It’s so many to choose from. Lol

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?
My wife of 22 years, Bridgette, has always been my biggest supporter. We recently lost not only her mom, but our daughter as well in death. Sometimes it takes a specific situation to really push you to achieve your dreams. And my mother in law and daughter were BIG supporters of me. My brother in QUE, Patrick Hunt has truly been an inspirationas well.. He’s the left to my right and we collaborate always when it comes to cooking. And a host of friends and family who support me as well. They’ve my biggest cheerleaders.

Instagram: @mackssmokeybbque

Image Credits
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