Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Harris
Hi Derrick, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My love for BBQ started early, inspired by watching my parents grill at family gatherings. That passion stayed with me into adulthood, and after marrying my wife Katrina, I found an opportunity to turn it into something more. While visiting a family member, I spotted a smoker in a neighbor’s yard, which caught my attention. After a year of hesitation, I finally asked if it was for sale—and to my delight, it was.
With that smoker, I began selling BBQ from a street corner in the city, quickly gaining a loyal customer base. My flavorful BBQ became a hit, with customers raving and buying out my stock nearly every weekend. However, my success wasn’t without challenges. Feeling the pressure of competition, a local pizza restaurant called the authorities, forcing me to halt my street sales.
Determined not to let this setback derail my dreams, me and my wife Katrina searched for a permanent location. We found a storefront for lease; we negotiated a deal that was too good to pass up. In October 2017, Smokey D’z BBQ officially opened its doors.
Over the past seven years, Smokey D’z has grown significantly. Initially, a grab-and-go establishment, Smokey D’z has also become mobile with its food truck and is sought highly after to cater to many local businesses and family gatherings. Today, my focus is on creating exceptional food and providing great service!
Me and my wife Katrina have ambitious plans for the future. I envision expanding our reach and exploring franchise opportunities to bring Smokey D’z BBQ to more communities.
From a street corner smoker to a thriving local business, I continue to share my passion for BBQ, creating delicious memories one plate at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey of building a business is rarely a smooth road. It’s filled with all kinds of challenges and unexpected hurdles. From losing key team members to navigating financial struggles, the obstacles can feel never-ending. High employee turnover rates, break-ins, and sudden equipment failures are just a few of the realities that can test the resilience of any business owner.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the excitement of turning a dream into reality can sometimes overshadow the preparation needed for the realities of business ownership. You get so caught up in the possibilities and the vision that you don’t immediately realize everything that comes along with it. For me, I had to learn fast. Once the business was up and running, it wasn’t just a dream anymore—it was a responsibility that depended entirely on me and my ability to adapt and grow.
Another significant challenge was finding the right balance between my work and my family. When you’re building a business from the ground up, it’s easy to become consumed by it. Every decision feels crucial, and there’s always something that demands your attention. But I realized early on that focusing solely on the business came at a cost—I was losing precious time with my family. Learning to step back, set boundaries, and prioritize my loved ones has been one of the hardest but most important lessons of this journey.
Owning a business is an incredible experience, but it’s not just about the wins or the successes. It’s about learning from the tough times, growing through the challenges, and finding ways to balance your dreams with the things that matter most. Looking back, every obstacle has been a stepping stone that shaped me into a better leader, a better husband, and a better father.
We’ve been impressed with Smokey D’z BBQ & Catering, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Smokey D’z BBQ: Home of the Backyard BBQ
At Smokey D’z BBQ, we specialize in delivering the best-smoked BBQ in the DFW area. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality over quantity. We take our time, putting passion and care into every bite we serve. That’s why we proudly call ourselves “Home of the Backyard BBQ.” Our food speaks for itself—you won’t even need sauce to taste the difference. The flavor says it all: it’s unmistakably Smokey D’z BBQ.
Giving back to the community is at the heart of what we do. We consistently donate food to organizations that are close to our hearts and make it a priority to feed the homeless in our community. Supporting others has always been part of our mission.
One of the things I am most proud of is seeing the joy on our customers’ faces. Watching people leave our establishment with big smiles, fully satisfied, reminds me that we’re doing something right. That sense of fulfillment drives us to keep improving and growing.
Speaking of growth, Smokey D’z BBQ is becoming a go-to name for catering in the DFW area. We specialize in creating tailored catering experiences to fit any occasion—whether it’s a business event, church gathering, or family celebration. For an even more personal touch, we can bring the Smokey D’z experience directly to you with our food truck, offering the full “ home of the backyard BBQ” vibe right at your doorstep.
At Smokey D’z BBQ, it’s more than just food—it’s a passion for creating unforgettable flavors and memorable experiences. Whether you’re dining in, catering an event, or welcoming our food truck to your neighborhood, you’ll taste the love and dedication in every bite.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Expansion is definitely on the horizon for Smokey D’z BBQ. As we continue to grow, my vision is to open more locations throughout the DFW metroplex, making it easier for customers across the area to experience our signature “Home of the Backyard BBQ.” Each new location will maintain the same high standards and quality that have become the cornerstone of our brand, ensuring every customer receives the authentic Smokey D’z experience.
Another exciting avenue we’re hoping to explore is tapping into the Halal BBQ market. There’s a growing demand for high-quality Halal options, and I see an incredible opportunity to serve this community with the same level of passion and care that defines our current menu. By offering Halal BBQ, we’ll be able to expand our customer base, cater to diverse tastes, and introduce even more people to the rich, smoky flavors we’re known for.
This expansion is about more than just growth—it’s about inclusivity, innovation, and creating opportunities to share our love of BBQ with as many people as possible. Whether it’s opening new doors or diversifying our offerings, Smokey D’z BBQ is committed to pushing boundaries while staying true to the heart of what we do: providing top-notch BBQ that brings people together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smokeydzbbq.com
- Instagram: officialsmokeydzbbq
- Facebook: Smokey D’z BBQ
