The BBQ2U Story
Gary Parker, BBQ2U's founder and pit master turns challenges into opportunities to make his restaurant a standout success. His approach is built on adaptability, customer satisfaction, and a dedication to quality—a winning combination that has made BBQ2U a local favorite.
At the heart of BBQ2U's success is Gary’s ability to streamline processes and ensure that even when times are tough, the quality of their food never wavers. One key area of focus was their take-out and call-in orders. Known for hand-slicing each brisket and turkey order, BBQ2U initially struggled with keeping up with the growing demand. He fine-tuned their operations, including throttling order volumes when necessary to prevent overwhelming the kitchen and ensuring customers always received fresh, hot food.
Pricing also poses an ongoing challenge, especially as the cost of goods—especially meats—rise. Gary addresses these fluctuations with transparency, letting customers know about the increased cost of ingredients while maintaining the high standards BBQ2U is known for.
Sharing the Lobby
Beyond operational improvements, Gary also takes a creative approach to marketing. During the pandemic, with the help of his marketing coordinator, Lucy Rau, BBQ2U began hosting a “Lobby Expo,” giving local artists and authors a platform to showcase their work. This community-focused initiative now officially called "The Authors Corner" and creates a vibrant atmosphere in the restaurant’s lobby. It also underscores BBQ2U’s commitment to supporting local businesses and artists, further solidifying its place in the Gig Harbor community.
Digital Media
BBQ2U also maintains an active digital presence, ensuring that BBQ2U's social media accounts keep fans engaged and informed about the history of barbeque (a passion of his) lots of food eye candy, the weekly specials and of course, what philanthropy focus is happening at the store. He even does a monthly video to say hello and cover the month's happenings. There is fun and high engagement on BBQ2U's social media pages and the fans have fun sharing their feedback on the food. BBQ2U's brisket has a cult following and this fun group of folks is very happy sharing with us on line. This decision to prioritize keeping social media channels active and fresh has proved crucial in keeping traffic steady, even during more challenging seasons.
Giving Back
Gary’s vision for BBQ2U goes beyond just serving delicious barbecue. He consistently finds ways to give back to the community, whether through donations to local hospitals, providing meals for retirement homes, hosting seniors at the local movie theatre, or partnering with local businesses like Olalla Wines. His deep-rooted commitment to quality food and high customer satisfaction, combined with innovative problem-solving and a love for his community, continues to fuel BBQ2U’s success.
BBQ2U’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and community spirit. Gary Parker’s leadership enables the restaurant to thrive, turning challenges into growth opportunities. Whether you're stopping in for a bite of brisket or attending a local art show in their lobby, BBQ2U is more than just a restaurant—it’s a testament to the power of creative leadership and a passion for great food.
Learn More About Gary Parker Here
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