Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Gentry.
Chris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I bought my first Big Green Egg 7.5 years ago. It happened to be two days before my father passed away. I started cooking a lot as a distraction from my loss and to relax a bit. I created a sauce, bottled it and formed Gentry’s BBQ. I started catering and competing, created another sauce and won a world championship at the 2018 Memphis in May Barbecue Festival with my mustard. I sold a company in February of 2019 and opened Gentry’s BBQ General Store two months later. I completed my line of rubs and sauces last year that includes five rubs and five sauces. We’ve established our shop as the premier grill shop in Orlando, offering high-end grills, accessories, outdoor kitchens and education from my experiences over the years and relationships I’ve built in the industry.
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?
A lot has happened in a short period of time! We’ve grown quickly, and being able to scale that, has its challenges. Couple that with the uncertainty of a pandemic and it makes for interesting times as a small business owner. Operating a small business is always challenging, but I’m excited for what our future holds!
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?
I own and operate Gentry’s BBQ General Store in Ivanhoe Village. We’re Orlando’s premier destination for everything BBQ, including grills, accessories, outdoor kitchens, education – even meats! I hang my hat on winning a world championship with my mustard sauce, but my entire line of rubs and sauces are unique and versatile. My experience in the field, from backyard to competition cooking, and the relationships I’ve built in the industry set us apart from other stores that offer similar products. In addition, I am proud to have grown to be Florida’s leading dealer for Yoder Smokers. I would love people to know that they can come into our shop and purchase everything that they need to be successful and confident around their grill. We can provide all the tools and knowledge necessary to enjoy your hobby and become a better cook!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I am grateful to Orlando for the overwhelming support they have shown my shop in the two years we’ve been open. The residents of the greater Orlando area are wonderful at supporting small businesses. Like most people, I’d love our traffic to be better! But my commute is short so I don’t fight traffic like I have in the past, unless we’re delivering a grill!
Contact Info:
- Email: chris@gentrysbbq.com
- Website: www.GentrysBBQ.com
- Instagram: @Gentrys_BBQ & @gentrysbbq_generalstore
- Facebook: @mopsauce & @gentrysbbqgeneralstore
Janie Evans
June 9, 2021 at 1:18 am
Chris. So happy for your success.