This October, our Atlanta Catering Team had the honor of serving baseball legend, Hank Aaron and his family. This was such a neat experience for everyone and we hit it out of the park. Gooooooo, Team City Barbeque!

celebrating 20 years in 2020

Chris Clever celebrated his 20 Year anniversary with City Barbeque on January 6th, making him our oldest employee outside of the founders! We sat down with Chris to discuss his success with City Barbeque and why it is so special to him.

“It all started in January of 1999, I stopped by the Henderson Road location and Frank was standing outside in the parking lot. There was a huge pile of hickory logs that were un-split, so I offered to split all of it for $100.00. When I was done, Frank offered me a job. I started the next day as a dishwasher, a week later I was a boards guy, and Pit Boss working open to close. I worked daily, side-by-side, with Rick & Frank and I never thought that 20 years later, I would still be doing the same thing as I do today.

I’m currently the AGM at Polaris and, for the most part, nothing has changed in my day-to-day. I still have the same desire get the job done – I will go anywhere: pits, dish, front, & even back to boards. The reason I’ve stayed so long probably has to do with the passion & honor that we started with at the beginning - which is still carried on today. Anywhere from the food quality, to taking care of the guest, & the ability to go above & beyond at any given time. Failure is not an option.”

Over 20 years, Chris has made so many memories with our teams and guests. Part of what makes him a true creator of happiness is that his favorite guest memories are not of the people who make the job easy, but the ones who need help. Chris says that he always tries to purchase the meals of guests who have ill family members - and that is true Backyard Hospitality. Does it surprise you that Chris’s favorite guiding principle is the $100 Rule?

Chris tells us that he feels no one in the industry can touch us right now, predicting that City Barbeque will continue to grow and own the barbeque lane! At this rate, we’re pretty sure that Chris will be around to see that happen. So cheers to 20 Years, Chris! Thank you for your dedication to service and ‘que!

Meet the newest Market Leader: Dave Skerl

How long have you been with City Barbeque and what position did you start as?
I've been in the restaurant business for 22 years and with City Barbeque for 3 of them. I was the AGM at Arlington and the GM/TGM at Reynoldsburg.

What is your favorite company value?
Improve a little everyday- it's simple and everyone can do it.

What is your favorite menu item?
More Cowbell.

What are you most excited for as the new ML for Arlington, Powell, Westerville, & Findlay?
Working in a Legacy market as we grow!

Do you have any advice for employees looking to grow in the company like you?
Do your job so well that you can’t be ignored. Be the obvious choice to advance.

Any New Year Resolutions for 2020?
Learn something new from everyone I meet.

RAVING FANS

Deerfield

The staff, while always friendly and helpful, turned it up a notch today. We would especially like to give a big shout out to Calvin, who went above and beyond to make sure our lunch was correct and provided several samples to tempt our taste buds. We are long time fans of City BBQ yet Calvin didn't take us for granted and treated us like royalty. The Deerfield store is our favorite and we will continue to patronize it for the best BBQ around. Thanks for coming to Illinois and doing a great job.

Florence

Criticism has many parents and praise is an orphan. I know, I’ve worked is Sales Ops for 25 years. Your Florence,KY location is closest to me but if I didn’t like the store n staff I’d drive out of my way to another store. Today I stopped in n was so happy to see you opened early n I didn’t have to freeze in the car. Behind the scenes as you might say is one of the hardest working n friendliness people I have ever encountered. I gone to the store since it opened and never knew his name. Emmet is one of the most relaxed yet focused individuals I’ve ever seen. I generally get there at 12:30 on a Friday and he is working his tail off. The line sometimes is out the door due to the popularity of your food but he is working like a house on fire! He will still have a smile back there. I teased n said “you can’t be working too hard, you’re not even breaking a sweat “. I was only kidding. He’s like James Brown - the hardest working name in show business! He laughed he knew I was kidding around but he is the hardest working person I’ve ever seen n glad I finally got his name. The store should be proud of him n his devotion to preparing food and not just trying to get to the next order. I hope this reaches him. I wish I sent this years ago! Thx...Thom Kelly

Greenwood

Last Evening my partner and I dined at your location in Indianapolis, Indiana on US 31. We were a little hesitant because it was nearing close but we decided we had to have it! As soon as we walked in this deliciously intense aroma of fresh barbecue welcomed us like a warm hug. We were acknowledged right away by everyone behind the carry out counter. The three gentleman gave us recommendations on sides, sauces, and chatted with us about the holidays. The friendliest of them all was Darrin. I asked his name because he was especially attentive and kind. My partner works for a local media company and gave him free passes to the Indianapolis Christmas Nights of Lights because he took such wonderful care of us. We sincerely appreciate wonderful customer service. Darrin is a gem! The incredible tasting food was icing on the cake after service like that. I unfortunately misplaced my receipt but I had to sing his praises. Thank you all for the great good and wonderful service

IUPUI

Thank you Ms.Andrea (host)!! She took the time to explain the *points* process for gift cards, patiently suffered my frazzled rambling (thoughts from a caregiver) and calmed me with a *gratis* beverage. Sometimes...when one is just *fed up*...the kindness of another--makes the world brighter. Andrea was the true face of your business today (11/25/19)...and I am grateful. This surpasses ALL the reasons why this restaurant/location (as it is a jaunt) is a favorite for dining and gifting.

Johns Creek

We came to this location because we mistakenly thought that we were going to have our tasting for our wedding here. Once we got there, we realized that we were in the wrong location and tried to reschedule but were unable to put on the calendar during a time that would work for our entire family. So, I went to the front and ordered a few items so that our kids could taste the sides and meats that we thought that we would use for our catered event. I told the cashier, Danielle, a brief account of what happened and ordered our food. When our food was ready out came Danielle with an incredible surprise. She had, on her own initiative, gotten an entire tray of sides together for us. We were so grateful... but it didn't stop there. Other employees came out with an entire sampling platter of meats and dessert. They were incredible and frankly saved the day. We were so disappointed when we figured out that we were in the wrong location, but through these employees actions, we had an incredible experience and later on talked with the caterer to get our menu together for our wedding. THEY WERE AWESOME! We are seriously grateful for their graciousness and initiative and wanted to make sure we informed your company of their actions.

University Place

We had City Barbecue cater a lunch for our office. The food was delicious and everyone enjoyed it very much. Michelle, the person who delivered and set up our lunch did a fantastic job. She was so friendly and helpful. She set everything up exactly like we needed it to be. She made our meal very easy and stress free.