Scaling Up Without Losing Flavor: Tips for Growing BBQ Operations

Running a business can be difficult; whether it’s managing employees, rising food costs, unexpected repairs, or any number of other challenges. So when you finally have the recipe for success and are ready to expand, it can feel daunting. Below, we’re exploring a few tips to keep in mind as you plan your growth. The goal is to help keep the wind at your back and your business moving forward.

Stay True to Your Identity While Standardizing Your Process

The first thing to remember when expanding is to stay true to your identity. Scaling doesn’t mean changing what made you successful. This includes everything from your unique brand personality to the flavors and recipes that define your BBQ.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. One way to preserve your identity is by standardizing your recipes. Use precise measurements, cooking times, and techniques to ensure consistency across locations. This mindset also helps you strategically expand your menu. If a dish is difficult to replicate consistently, it might not be a good fit for your full-time menu.

Think about it: how often do customers say they prefer one location over another in a multi-location business? Your goal should be to deliver a top-notch experience no matter where your customers visit.

Now you might be asking, “That sounds great, but how do I keep that consistency?” The answer: invest in your success, and not just financially.

Invest Time, Not Just Money

When someone says “invest in your success,” most people think of money. And while financial investment is important, your time is just as valuable, especially during expansion.

Spend time on:

• Sourcing quality ingredients at scale

• Consistent staff training

• Researching scalable equipment

• Maintaining your brand identity

Build strong relationships with local and regional suppliers who can grow with you. Don’t sacrifice quality for scale because your customers will notice.

As mentioned earlier, staying true to what made your business successful requires consistent training. Teach your staff why they do things a certain way, and train for technique, not just speed. Efficiency will come with repetition, but good technique helps reduce food waste, wood usage, and other operational costs.

Finally, research equipment that can grow with you. Nothing is worse than perfecting your recipes only to find your equipment can’t keep up. That’s where companies like Ole Hickory Pits give you a big advantage. We offer models ranging from small backyard pits to large commercial units that can handle over a ton of meat. Whether you started on a small pit or something larger, our smokers are designed to cook the same way, regardless of size. This consistency helps preserve your flavor profile and simplifies training across locations.

Feedback and Your Personal Touch

Feedback is one of the best ways to gauge the health of your business and it becomes even more important as you grow. As mentioned earlier, you want to avoid having one location outperform another. Customers should have the same experience no matter where they go. Encourage honest feedback from customers and staff. It helps you catch flavor or quality issues early and make quick adjustments.

You can also consider partnering with ambassadors and influencers to promote your brand and test new recipes. Their reach can help reinforce your image and build trust in your community.

And finally, never lose touch with your business. It’s easy to get caught up in operations, but remember, it was your personal touch and care that got you to this point. Stay involved in training, recipe development, and quality checks. Your presence matters.

Scaling a BBQ operation doesn’t mean leaving your brand, identity, and flavor behind. It means finding smarter ways to preserve it. With Ole Hickory Pits, pitmasters gain the tools and confidence to grow their business while staying true to the smoke, the craft, and the customer experience that built their brand. Whether you're expanding to a second location or increasing production for catering and retail, Ole Hickory Pits is here to help you scale with confidence and with flavor that never fades.