The barbecue business – sauces, rubs and other condiments and culinary accouterments – is a multi-billion-dollar business in America. At least two KA brothers have decided to throw their chef’s hats in the ring by developing their own products designed to make grilling and smoking as delicious as possible.
Richard Briseno (Epsilon Kappa–Southeastern Louisiana ’04) and Kevin Hughes (Zeta Omega–Coastal Carolina ’17) are two KA entrepreneurs who are owners of barbecue-associated companies. Briseno’s company, Lovie Sauce BBQ, produces an award-winning barbecue sauce, while Hughes is the owner of Beechwood Brothers BBQ, based in Ames, Iowa. His company sells an all-purpose specialty rub called Kryptonite, selling primarily through internet site Etsy.
“In 2022, I relocated from South Carolina to Iowa to start a new position,” Hughes said. “In both states, I began to enjoy traveling to BBQ restaurants that focused on live fire grilling and smoking. In Iowa, I found myself doing quite a bit of grilling, smoking, cooking, etc. and was impressed with the quality of meat from local markets and businesses. I launched Beechwood Brothers BBQ in early 2024, mixing, blending, cutting and testing a variety of spices until we got to a final product that I thought was worthy of being shared with others.”
“Over a multi-month test period,” he continued, “the all-purpose rub Kryptonite was developed and tested on chicken, beef, pork and even on fish. My younger brother Ryan (Zeta Omega–Coastal Carolina ’18) provided a ton of support and creative ideas. At this time, I am only selling Kryptonite and a few merchandise items. I do have plans to expand the seasoning line to feature other blends.”
Briseno explained how his BBQ sauce, Lovie Sauce, got its name. “Lovie is what my mom and dad call one another,” Briseno said. “It’s my mom’s recipe, I am co-owner. We formed the LLC in 2014, and have been in grocery stores throughout the New Orleans metro area since 2018.”
“I’m on a competitive BBQ cooking team called Rub Me Tender,” he said. “I joined the already existing team in 2022 as the sauce guy. I’d never entered a BBQ competition before and wanted to know what the professional judges thought about the sauce. We participated in Memphis at the World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest 2024, and placed 3rd overall in the world in the BBQ sauce category. We received a perfect score in the same competition and category as well in 2022, we received a perfect score from the judges, all 10’s.”
“We ship our sauce nationwide through LovieSauce.com,” he said, “and we recently signed with a co-packer and distributor. We will be distributing in 200 grocery stores in the southern states. Our goal is to bring it nationwide.”
As for how to get a business like this off the ground, both men have their own stories and suggestions. “Take the leap of faith and expose yourself to the challenge,” Hughes said. “I recommend getting into the development of a small business focused around something you are extremely passionate about. Beechwood Brothers BBQ for me is more fun than it is work because I find fulfillment in networking and building relationships with people from all over the country through incredible BBQ.”
“There is no guideline on how to start a business in the food product industry,” Briseno said. “It’s been a lot of trial and error. You definitely have to have patience. I would recommend if you want to get into this type of industry to not be afraid to ask questions. Identify other local people in your area who may have a similar product and reach out to them. Most people are willing to help.”
PHOTO CAPTIONS: Kevin Hughes displays a bottle of his original barbecue rub Kryptonite.
Richard Briseno displays the trophy he won for his barbecue sauce at the World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest in Memphis.
