We’re looking forward to introducing you to Winners Smokehouse . Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Winners , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
The most surprising thing we’ve learned about our customers is that they are very open minded! Anytime our bartender and general manager Kendall, suggest a new cocktail, they always try it. Anytime our Head Grill master Martrel, makes a new item and it gets added to the menu, they’re always down to try it after they see the final results! Our customers are all about the vibes!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Winners Smokehouse is family owned and operated , veteran owned business that specializes in slow smoked Texas style BBQ. Our vibe is backyard barbecue mixed with family comfort but elevated. What makes us special is that because we are family owned the love surpasses all things! We have real genuine love for each other and what we do.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Our parents definitely taught us about work! Our mother, Regina, worked in TV and aviation and was always so personable and willing to provide her great service and organizational skills. Our father, Kenneth, spent almost 30 years in the United States Army gaining several different skills from drill sergeant to recruiter was no stranger to hard work! He’s very ‘dress right dress’ as we would say. We grew up understanding that nothing comes free and we are blessed that our parents taught us the value of hardworking and not being afraid to get down and dirty of needed (especially in the barbecue industry lol)!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When we got the keys to the building for our restaurant it was right before the COVID-19 pandemic. It was really hard for us a team and family to navigate that space. Our maternal grandmother was in a nursing home and our mother was her primary caregiver, we were taking care of her with the help of our entire family and trying to operate a business. Kendall had just transferred to the University of North Texas at Denton and got an off campus student apartment and was only there a few weeks before the campus closed due to the pandemic. We had to transition the business to ‘to-go & takeout’ only for the safety of ourselves and our customers. Our father, Kenneth, even had COVID at one point so it hit close to home. We had to isolate and quarantine. We really leaned on each other as a family for support and love to make it through that time.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
In our family we believe that you have to be a blessing in order to receive blessings. Martrel and myself, were instilled with the values of being of service to others if you can. We’ve never been a selfish family. Our father does lots of community work in Cedar Hill and for his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi. We’re always trying to give to those in need. We donate leftover food to the local nursing homes sometimes! We believe if more people gave grace or sacrificed time to put a smile on another person’s face the world would heal a little bit, making it a better place. Giving is something that is near to our hearts! We’re committed to being of service as long as we can!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
We hope that they felt like family when they walked into Winners Smokehouse as our dad, Kenneth, would say. We hope you tasted the love in each rib, brisket, and banana pudding. We hope you know our mom, Regina, works hard on those greens and sweet potatoes everyday lol!- hand picking and cutting. Going to multiple places to find the best batches. We hope you know Martrel puts his all into this barbecue! He sacrifices a lot and dedicates himself to the craft and quality. Our cashier, Nicole, loves providing great service and great vibes. You might even hear her singing a song or two when you stop by lol! Kendall gets joy making it every cocktail at the bar! She loves to read all your reviews and feedback! Seeing your reactions on social media really does warm us up! We were blessed with a big family so love is everything! We’re so happy to make our customers apart of that family even if they’re only inside 5 minutes! Y’all are who we do it for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://winnerssmokehouse.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/winnerssmokehouse
- Linkedin: https://LinkedIn.com/WinnersSmokehouse
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/WinnersSmokehouse
- Yelp: https://Yelp.com/WinnersSmokehouse
Image Credits
Naika Malveaux
Trio Collective
