“Dudley’s Smokin Q Serving Up Delicious BBQ Across the CSRA”

– It all began with a vision, and with hard work and team work, that dream to serve the community delicious food became a reality.

Arnold and Julia Dudley, the owners of Dudley’s Smokin Q, sit down with to chat about how they are providing “grilled goodness” and satisfying tastebuds throughout the CSRA.

Welcome to Celebrating Black Excellence. What made you want to get started in the culinary business?

At a young age, I was in the kitchen with mom, and I just started doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Then, when I got older, we moved to Augusta. We’re originally from Louisiana. I started grilling for the family, and they said, “Wow, it’s good. You know, you should make it a career and make some money.” First, I was like, “No,” but then, they kept on pushing me. Well, you know what? I’m gonna do it, but I want a food trailer.

What made you decide to do the food trailer versus the traditional building?

Well, I want to be mobile, and I can move when I want to go. With a brick and mortar, you stuck, and people got to come to you other than you going to the people. Plus, it’s cheaper.

Julia, what is your part as far as the business is concerned?

Well, as wives do, I help wherever I need it, but the majority of what I do is the administrative side. I set up the PowerPoints, I keep track of that money, I help make plates and I try to fill in wherever I can.

How is it being that support system for your husband? How does that make you feel?

I want to push him and help him do whatever he wants to do, however he wants to do it, and whenever he wants to do it. I want him to know that I’m here with him because we’re a team. When he wins, I win.

What do you guys serve at Dudley’s Smokin’ Q?

Everything! (Laughs) I mean, the menu is so big that I can only do a little bit at a time. However, we do ribs, pulled pork, smoked street tacos, brisket, hash and rice… the regular sides like mac and cheese, brisket mac and cheese, green beans, baked beans… the whole nine. We’re trying to continue to expand the menu as he’s always cooking something.

What is the most popular thing that people want when they come to your establishment?

Wow. That’s hard. Umm… we would say the ribs. The ribs are very popular. They love the pulled pork, and the street tacos are gaining momentum. We didn’t even talk about the smoked, fried chicken wings. Now, that’s really popular, but you know it’s kind of time consuming so you just can’t pop up and do it. You got to plan to get it done, but that’s a very popular item as well.

What is the favorite thing that you like to make that is on your menu?

Arnold: Man, I like to make all of it. (Laughs) The favorite I would say… maybe the ribs.

Julia: My favorite are the smoked fried chicken wings. You’re talking about good! My followers are probably nodding their heads right now saying, “Yep, yep, yep.” (Laughs)

What advice do you give people who want to get into this type of business?

Arnold: Do your research is our work is not easy. It’s hard work, but at the end of the day, it is worth it. You know, we didn’t know anybody when we started. So, we started from scratch. So, we were learning as we go, and we’re still learning. But yeah, do your research and be ready to work because it’s a lot of work.

Julia: I would say teamwork because you know the saying: teamwork makes the dream work, and it really is true. We always joke saying we probably could do a reality show because one minute we’re in love, and the next minute, we’re falling out, and then, we’re back in love again. However, it’s a high paced thing especially when people in the community enjoy what you offer them. So like he said, it is hard work, and you have to work together. You have to be organized and prepared, and you really have to have vision. I am really grateful. This is a vision that he has had, and we are seeing it come to fruition as we speak. So, we’re excited about what’s happening.

For people who want to find you, how can they do so?

They can follow us on Facebook. On Facebook, you can just search Dudley’s Smokin Q, and on Instagram, it’s @dudleys_smokin_q.