Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Ray Jr.
Hi Jackie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Born and raised in Midland, Tx, my father has always instilled the joy of barbequing within me. A normal day in our household, consisted of the smoker going with a couple of briskets and several slabs of ribs cooking. Friends and family all over Midland knew about my dad’s barbeque! In 2006 my family moved from Midland to Arlington for better job opportunities. My dad became a chef at Cook’s Children’s Hospital where his lunch meals were well known amongst the hospital staff. My dad and I have always talked about owning our own barbeque restaurant. It is a dream for us both to do the one thing we love most, every day. After much research, we felt that purchasing a food truck would be the best option for us. It provided more flexibility and the chance for a change of scenery. In 2020, we purchased our barbeque food truck, traveling only to gas stations that would allow us on their property. People enjoyed our food so much that they began to ask if we could come to their apartment complexes or neighborhoods. At the brinks of the COVID-19 pandemic, this was the perfect way to spread the word about our food.
We have expanded so much over the last two years. Smokey Ray’s BBQ and Catering provides services for holidays, weddings, and all other celebratory events.
My father, Jacky “Chuck” Ray, lives in Arlington, TX with my supportive mother, and I, Jackie “Chuck Jr” Ray Jr, live in Wylie, Tx with my wife and daughter. Between our households, we are able to cater for a large area of DFW. To help with the business, we have enlisted the help of my brother, Leslie Ray. That makes this food truck a family affair! We have a lot of fun and truly enjoy cooking together.
Our favorite events to cater are for healthcare organizations and summer community events. As a business, our next goal is a barbeque restaurant.
You can follow us on Facebook at Smokey rays BBQ and Catering or on Instagram @SmokeyRaysBBQandCatering. You can send an email to smokeyraysbbqandcatering@gmail.com.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
During a pandemic, community events were not available. In the beginning, it was difficult to try to promote the food truck without being well known. There were many days when we barely made any money. It took time for people to follow us on social media so that they could come to our location. Because our location changed constantly, it was risky choosing new locations.
We’ve been impressed with Smokey Ray’s BBQ and 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 Ray’s BBQ and Catering is a family own BBQ food truck that travels all over the DFW. Smokey Ray’s is filled with family traditions of cooking passed down from generations. We are mostly known for our slow-cooked, tender brisket. Smokey Ray’s is different from your average BBQ business because of the love you experience when you come to our truck. We are so happy to have our customers. You are treated just like family and we only give you what we would give to ourselves. We enjoy community and healthcare events.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
We enjoy following other BBQ food trucks and restaurants.
Contact Info:
- Email: SmokeyRaysBBQandCatering@gmail.com
- Instagram: @SmokeyRaysBBQandCatering
- Facebook: Smokey Ray’s BBQ and Catering
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