In 1991 my job downsized, packed up, and moved to South Carolina, leaving me for the first time in my life, unemployed. After praying and seeking God, I was inspired to become my own boss. No longer would I be an employee but would become an employer.


After pondering about what the future would hold, I remembered a trade my grandfather had taught me. The “Art of BBQ”. Under the direction and guidance of my Pastor, I started cooking ribs on the church parking lot. It was a leap of faith that caused me to listen and follow The Lord’s Lead. One night in what I believe was a dream, but became a vision, I saw a large tree and a long line of people buying ribs. While visiting my mother’s house at 21st Street at Cambria Street, there stood the tree in my dream. Shortly afterward on the corner of 21st Street at Cambria with my 3 sons, Anthony, Andre and Ife, Charlies Country Ribs was born. We started with one 55 gallon barrel, then two 55 gallon barrels, then four 55 gallon barrels, and then a truck, and just couldn’t keep up with the growing demand.