Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Mcdowell.
Hi Josh, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up with my grandfathers and uncles cooking barbecue. As I got older, I picked up my first smoker around 18 years old and really taking interest into it. We’d always cook barbecue for family events and football parties at my uncle’s house. In 2009 I met Bob Herndon with ATL BBQ Club and he got me to sign up for the Atlanta BBQ Festival in 2010 where we ended up taking home 1st place in Chicken. Over the next few years, a team of family in friends hit the BBQ circuit doing competitions and festivals around Georgia. We eventually realized that we loved the festivals for the other teams and the people there to enjoy barbecue, not necessarily so much the competition side. We turned our focus to vending at festivals and catering over the new few years which lead to a brick in mortar which we opened July 17th, 2020.
Alright, 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?
Our buildout was tumultuous and lengthy with an old building needing to be brought up to current codes. Once we finally made it through the hurdles and had a light at the end of the tunnel in sight, covid happened. Opening during the pandemic was by no means ideal, but we persevered and are happy to have that in the rearview.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We’re fast-casual, counter service, no frills barbecue. We have an immensely talented Chef, Eric Guillot, that has allowed us to step outside our barbecue classics to offer many amazing specials. We have a cult following for his Brisket Egg Rolls and we’ve won ATL Burger Week back to back in 2021 & 2022. While our barbecue is some of the best in the city, don’t sleep on the specials.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
If you want to learn barbecue, find an independent shop and ask. None of us mind offering advice, tips, and even a secret or two.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.taylordbarbq.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordbarbq/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaylordBBQ/
- Twitter: @TaylordBarBQ
Image Credits
Damned Fine Photography
