BBQS + MORE in Lunn Ave has new owners. Chris George, along with brothers Ben and Sam Dick took over the business in early December and alongside a booming retail trade are looking at expanding the commercial division of the business. The trio are looking at bringing a further 20 brands of BBQ into their store in the coming months, with the intention of developing it into a ‘BBQ Mecca,’ for retail and trade alike.
George has had decades of experience in the commercial equipment industry – he ran the BBQ Factory for 20 years before a ten-year stint at Burns and Ferrall. He sees smoked meats as a portion of the foodservice market with a lot of untapped potential.
“There’s a worldwide trend to smoking and wood flavours,” he explained. A lot of it comes down to the corresponding trend of using the entire animal for culinary purposes. “The bad cuts can be utilised, and you can get more meat.”
A new restaurant soon to open in Otahuhu has recently purchased three large-scale smoking machines from BBQS + MORE, and they have also been dealing with a resort in Fiji. The flexibility of the BBQ appeals to new restaurants, according to George.
Unlike other commercial equipment manufacturers, George is looking at engaging in more niche foodservice projects. “Our focus is currently on the North Island, but we’re looking for commercial partners in the South Island as well,” said George.
