Today we’d like to introduce you to Markie Darling
Hi Markie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew hit Miami and left my family’s home in shambles. While we waited (and waited!) for repairs, our kitchen was out of commission, and my dad turned our BBQ grill into the ultimate survival tool. Breakfast? BBQ. Lunch? BBQ. Dinner? You guessed it—BBQ. I’m pretty sure he even tried boiling water on that thing at some point!
It was during those smoky, grill-filled days that my love for BBQ was born. The aroma, the sizzle, the pure joy of creating something delicious over an open flame—it hooked me for life. My dad didn’t just let me sit back and watch, though. One day, he handed me the tongs, gave me a crash course in grill safety (“Don’t set yourself or the house on fire”), and taught me how to cook BBQ.
The first thing I ever cooked wasn’t just a simple burger or hot dog; my dad made sure I learned how to work the grill like a pro—or at least as much of a pro as a kid with no patience could be. That moment sparked not only a lifelong love for BBQ but also the beginnings of what would eventually become Daddy’s Girl BBQ.
So, while Hurricane Andrew turned our lives upside down, it also gave me a priceless gift—a passion for cooking and a memory of my dad turning chaos into something deliciously unforgettable.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges we have faces is the lack of staff. Running a catering business requires a dedicated team to handle prep, cooking, deliveries, and event execution. However, finding reliable workers who share the same passion and commitment can be tough. This often means taking on more responsibilities personally, which can be exhausting. Another major struggle is the rising cost of food. With inflation and supply chain issues, the cost of quality ingredients continues to climb, making it difficult to stay competitive while maintaining fair pricing for customers. Balancing affordability without sacrificing quality is a constant challenge. The goal is to offer great food at reasonable prices, but that becomes harder when ingredient costs keep fluctuating. Despite these obstacles, we remain committed to delivering amazing food and service. The journey has been tough, but the passion for cooking and serving the community keeps pushing us forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We are all about bringing authentic, soulful dishes with a personal touch. We specialize in smoked meats, homemade sides, and bold flavors that feel like home. Our business is known for its attention to detail, salt-free seasoning, and the love we put into every dish. We don’t just serve food—we create an experience that keeps people coming back.
What sets us apart is our deep-rooted passion for cooking and serving the community. With over 60 years of cooking expertise within our team, including Chef Tarra’s Le Cordon Bleu training and Auntie’s legendary home-cooked flavors, we bring a mix of tradition and innovation to our menu. Whether it’s a classic Southern BBQ plate or a fusion dish with Caribbean or Mexican influences, we put our unique spin on everything.
One of the things we’re most proud of is how we’ve built this business from the ground up, staying true to our values despite the challenges. We’re not just in this for profit—we’re here to bring people together, support our community, and inspire other small business owners. Daddy’s Girl Catering is more than just catering; it’s a family legacy, a labor of love, and a brand that stands for quality, consistency, and heart.
How do you define success?
Success for us isn’t just about making money—it’s about impact, growth, and building lasting relationships. We define success by the smiles on our customers’ faces, the repeat business from satisfied clients, and the ability to create memorable experiences through our food. It’s about taking every challenge, from staffing struggles to rising food costs, and pushing through with resilience. One of the biggest markers of success for us is turning critics into our most valuable clients. We’ve had people hesitate at first, whether it’s due to pricing, dietary concerns, or simply not knowing what to expect. But once they taste our food and experience our service, they become some of our most loyal supporters. That transformation—when someone who was once skeptical becomes an advocate for our business—is what truly shows we’re doing something right.
For us, success is also about community. It’s about being able to give back, create opportunities for others, and build a brand that represents hard work, passion, and authenticity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daddysgirlbbq.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daddysgirlbbq/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaddysGirlBBQ/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/daddysgirlbbq/
- Twitter: https://x.com/daddysgirlbbq
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaddysGirlBBQ
