Ep 76. From Oil Rigs to Smoked Oxtails w/ Les Rhodes Jr. @lesbbq ​

👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecueIn this powerhouse episode, the crew sits down with Les Rhodes Jr., founder and pitmaster of LES BBQ, known nationwide for his viral smoked oxtails, bold flavors, and community-first mindset. From working oil rigs to building a USDA-certified BBQ brand and restaurant, Les shares his inspiring journey of hustle, innovation, and staying rooted in authenticity.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How Les went from front-yard football grilling to viral BBQ sensationThe Sam’s Club moment that sparked his signature “Candy Red” smoked oxtailsNavigating overnight success, $100K weeks, and scaling nationwide shippingThe power of family in business, mentorship, and raising the next generationUsing social media and storytelling to build community and brand identityLessons from touring, catering, and innovating products (yes, even oxtail-infused sausage!)Why pricing, quality, and presentation matter more than ever in today’s BBQ economyLes’s commitment to elevating BBQ without losing the soul or the sauceWhat it means to scale a business while staying authentic, grassroots, and intentional🔥 Whether you're a pitmaster, entrepreneur, or foodie, this episode is full of real talk, game-changing insights, and mouthwatering inspiration from one of BBQ’s rising stars.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to keep the smoke rolling with every episode.#BlackSmokeBBQ #LESBBQ #SmokedOxtails #CandyRedBBQ #BarbecueCulture #BlackPitmasters #FamilyBusiness #BBQPodcast #CulinaryInnovation #TexasBBQ #FoodEntrepreneurship #GrillAndGrow

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast

02:45 The Journey of Les Rhodes: From Oil Rigs to Barbecue

05:56 Revolutionizing Mail Order Barbecue

08:57 The Rise of Oxtails in Barbecue Culture

12:05 The Art of Achieving the Perfect Barbecue Color

14:43 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Failure

17:56 The Importance of Staying Humble and Inspired

20:39 Les Rhodes' Barbecue Beginnings and Early Experiences

23:56 Favorite Proteins and Cooking Techniques

26:41 The Art of Slow Cooking Oxtails

28:08 Transitioning from Backyard to Brick and Mortar

30:35 The Role of Family in Business

30:55 The Importance of Quality Control

35:28 Innovative Culinary Creations

40:04 Engagement Through Social Media

43:43 Applying Business Skills from Drilling to BBQ

47:11 Cooking for Celebrities: A Memorable Experience

49:49 The Rise of a BBQ Star

51:52 Family Dynamics in the BBQ Business

53:55 From Backyard to Business

55:09 Navigating Customer Expectations and Pricing

59:43 Life Beyond BBQ: Hobbies and Family

01:01:10 Future Plans: Fitness and BBQ

01:02:26 Being a Black Pitmaster in Utah

01:05:48 Barbecue as a Luxury Item