Today we’d like to introduce you to Markie Darling.
Markie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a hurricane and a two time cancer survivor, I have been able to remain strong through all my business obstacles by my faith first and foremost. Cooking is my safe haven. It helps me whenever I am stressed, depressed, happy, excited, restless and most importantly… when I am hungry! Regardless if it’s a happy or a sad moment cooking ALWAYS helps me. Nothing gives me pleasure like cooking , it is my comfort zone. I was asked by one of my Pastors, “What is the only thing that you can do and not be paid and still have fulfillment?” I knew then that I needed to start my catering business. The journey of entrepreneurship has not been easy. Humbling to say the least. Learning how to establish business relationships, cost containment, profit and loss statements, etc., are all things that I have learned to do during this time. It has all been very humbling! The most rewarding thing about being a caterer is the smile on my clients faces. My primary focus is to provide quality food with a side of great customer service, and I am consistently providing both. I feel that puts me in a class of its own and I am loving it!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This journey definitely hasn’t been a smooth one. Balancing a demanding full-time job in payroll support and running a business full time is HARD! Finding and training reliable staff, understanding food cost and pricing for profit, keeping accurate records for tax filings, finding the right accountant, marketing and becoming a salesperson are just few things. However, with a patience and understanding circle of family and friends, along with the grace of God, I found my footing and my groove. Those are definitely things to be grateful for.
Daddy’s Girl BBQ – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Daddy’s Girl BBQ offers a variety of dishes that will surely ignite your taste buds. We are experts at making delicious BBQ meals and happy guests because we are 100% customer focused. Our goal is to guarantee that not only will you have the best tasting BBQ but also the healthiest as we do not cook with any salted items.
We are known for our flavorful smoked ribs, jerked rib tips, smokey mac & cheese, and crack sweet tea/lemonades in a variety of flavors such as mango, peach, and guava.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Hands down my 1st 102.5 Praise in the Park event. It was my very 1st corporate catering event and we knew absolutely nothing about event logistics. We successfully completed the event and contracted the event for three additional years. Best thing EVER!
Pricing:
- Smoked Slab of Ribs $30
- Personal size Smokey Mac & Cheese $20
- Gallon of homemade Crack Lemonade or Sweet Tea $10
Contact Info:
- Address: 216 Valley Hill Rd SW Riverdale, GA 30274
- Website: www.daddysgirlbbq.com
- Phone: 678-971-9880
- Email: daddysgirlbbq@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daddysgirlbbq/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaddysGirlBBQ/
Image Credit:
Remember When Photography by Candace Hight
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