Today we’d like to introduce you to Brendon Williams.
Hi Brendon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi, I am Brendon Williams Sr., and I am the owner of Lil Will’s Hotbox! I would like to take this time to introduce myself to you all and tell you a little bit about me if you don’t mind.
I was a young boy that grew up traveling a lot due my dad being in the Navy. I didn’t really have much of an appetite so I always would eat the same options as any little kid. My go-to was PB&J all the time; I didn’t really find my way around the kitchen until the older I got and truly when my dad retired from the Navy. I learned so much once he was home.
My dad was the man on the grill that showed me all that I know now. The long hours grilling you tend to see that this is truly something more than we can imagine. My signature dish, Smoke Chicken Salad, is a family recipe that I learned over the years. I realized that this could be more than just a family favorite, but everyone’s favorite! So, I started investing more and more time in creating something that was flavorful and still healthy at the same time.
I started to do tastings with family members to see if this was something people would not only want to buy but love buying it! I eventually started doing pop-up sales all around Dallas to get my name out there to show people that I was worth their time and their money.
After my pop-ups started to draw more and more people, I decided that it was time to expand my business, such as smoking turkey legs, catering for special events, etc. The more the business grew the more investing I did back into the community and my family. I have become more of a household name that I didn’t think could be.
I am now looking into investing in a food truck so that I can be a part of the community more, and who knows, maybe I’ll soon be in your local grocery stores! I am just following the footsteps that God is taking my family and I.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has not been easy just as anyone getting a small business off the ground. I had to learn many things and seek support with deliveries. I’ve always listen to the feedback I get from my customers on different ways I can improve and take them into consideration.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I believe what sets me apart from others are my loyal customers. They truly have watch myself grow into more than what I am today. I am most proud in the support that I get from my customers and literally following me through my journey. This makes me want to be a better businessman and drive me to keeping pushing forward. My customers’ support I feel are one of a kind and they are always bringing new customers and offering even new business.
My business specializes in mainly the Smoke Chicken Salad. It is something like I’ve stated once before a family recipe that I decided to share with the world! We have a slogan stating, “Who wants the smoke?” Because in my chicken salad you will definitely not only get the unmatched flavors in seasoning but a hint of smoke in every bite.
What do you think about happiness?
Cooking makes me happy, to be honest. I am at peace, and it gives me a different sense of joy to be able to cook not only for my customers but to do it for my family as well! I get excited to see everyone enjoying the food that I’ve prepared with love and dedication. I feel like I’m giving away a masterpiece with every meal I have prepared for others.
Pricing:
- Smoke Chicken Salad is $10 for 16oz
- Jerk Smoke Chicken Salad is $10 for 16oz
- Smoke Turkey Leg is $15
- BBQ Brisket Sandwich with chips and a drink $15
- Catering starting at $100
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lilwillshotbox
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/smoked.chickensalad
