“Growing up, food was always important at home. My mom had quite the reputation for throwing elaborate parties; she’d spend days preparing Salgadinhos, coxinhas, and other amazing snacks. My dad operated the grill, and if I’d been good, I’d get to light it.

During the pandemic, I lost my job, and the only light that was still turned on for me was in the kitchen; I had a lot of free time and wasn’t sure what to do with it, so I turned to a lifelong hobby and started asking my friends if they wanted ribs. Word got out, and little by little, I started my BBQ pop-ups.

This industry has introduced me to some of the most amazing people I know. The connections you build while working as a team to produce a meal are magical. It’s an experience you take with you forever.

Dedicating my life to this industry was never a choice I had to make – from day one, it had me hooked.”