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Kristen Bailey
Sweets & Meats BBQ: A Journey of Flavor, Growth, and Resilience
The Sweet Beginning
Kristen Bailey, co-owner of Sweets & Meats BBQ, has been on a flavorful journey for the past decade. What started as a food truck in 2014 has grown into a multi-faceted culinary enterprise that's making waves in Cincinnati and beyond. Sweets & Meats BBQ is excited to announce the opening of its new dine-in restaurant in Avondale. Located inside the Herald Building at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the new location at 3440 Burnet Avenue, Suite 100, Cincinnati, OH 45229.
"We're an award-winning full-service catering business, food truck operation, and restaurant," Kristen explains with pride. "We offer everything from authentic smoked meats and homemade sides to tacos, lasagna, breakfast, and appetizers. And that's just the tip of the iceberg!"
Serving Up Success
When asked about their target audience, Kristen's eyes light up. "We cater to everyone from corporate clients with 500+ employees to brides planning their dream weddings. And let's not forget the food truck rallies and festivals!"
But what sets Sweets & Meats apart? Kristen doesn't miss a beat:
"It's all about flexibility and that personal touch. We have a professional office staff to help with event planning, and everything – I mean everything – is made from scratch. We're talking 8 daily homemade sides at the restaurant and 14 on the catering menu!"
She leans in, as if sharing a secret, "And you know what? We're not afraid of weddings. Some caterers run from them, but we embrace the challenge!"
Weathering the Storm: The COVID-19 Impact
The conversation takes a more serious turn as we discuss the pandemic's impact. Kristen's resilience shines through her words:
"COVID-19 pushed us to innovate like never before. We pivoted to neighborhood food truck services, visiting over 150 neighborhoods during lockdowns. Can you believe it? We actually tripled our business since 2019!"
But it wasn't just about business growth. Kristen's voice softens as she adds, "The greatest impact was on our team. We became more of a family during this time. We provided food boxes when supplies were scarce, implemented safety measures, and even hired experienced staff from other caterers that had shut down. It was tough, but we got through it together."
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Inspirations
As we turn to the future, Kristen's entrepreneurial spirit shines through. "We're focusing on implementing better strategies, delegating more, and really nailing down our training and documentation processes," she says with determination.
But it's not all smooth sailing. Kristen admits her biggest challenge with a rueful smile: "Learning to let go of control. I'm working on trusting my team more and focusing on strategic growth rather than trying to do everything myself."
Her eyes light up again as she mentions their new restaurant at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. "It's incredibly inspiring. We're providing comfort food to families going through tough times. It's come full circle for me, as I spent time at that hospital as a child."
Wisdom for the Journey
As our chat winds down, I ask Kristen what advice she'd give her younger self. She laughs, "Hire a general manager earlier! And please, take care of yourself. Prioritize your health, take time off, and for goodness sake, pay yourself properly!"
The Fun Side
And because all work and no play makes for a dull barbecue, I can't resist asking about her first celebrity crush. Kristen grins, "Matthew McConaughey. And you know what? He's still got it!"
The Road Ahead
As Sweets & Meats BBQ continues to grow, Kristen's focus is clear: better processes, empowered teams, work-life balance, and new opportunities for expansion and community involvement.
From food truck to multiple locations, from pandemic pivots to community partnerships, Sweets & Meats BBQ continues to serve up success, one plate at a time. Kristen's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, community engagement, and adaptive business practices.
As we wrap up our chat, the aroma of smoked meats wafts through the air, a reminder of the delicious foundation on which Kristen has built her empire. Here's to the next decade of growth, resilience, and mouthwatering barbecue!
Contact us for your upcoming event:
Sweets & Meats BBQ
All Occasions Catering
A lot of helpful information can be found on our Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Mindy Bailey
SparkUp Spotlight: Creating Memorable Moments with Mindy
In this month's spotlight, we sit down with Mindy, the creative force behind SparkUp, to learn about her journey in the world of event planning and experience creation.
The SparkUp Story
Founded in 2016, SparkUp has been turning ideas into unforgettable experiences. "We create elevated experiences, delivered with flawless execution," Mindy explains. "We take ideas from a small spark to a full flame."
From intimate gatherings to multi-day extravaganzas, SparkUp caters to a diverse clientele, including major corporations like TriHealth and various nonprofits.
What Sets SparkUp Apart?
SparkUp's unique selling proposition lies in its efficiency, experience, and energized approach. "We're personal and nimble," Mindy shares. "We act as a single conductor to create memorable moments with a smile."
Navigating the Pandemic
While many event planners struggled during COVID-19, SparkUp demonstrated remarkable adaptability. "We're creators, not just planners," Mindy emphasizes. This mindset allowed them to pivot successfully, focusing on the 'why' behind events and finding innovative ways to connect people remotely.
Looking Ahead
As SparkUp continues to grow, Mindy sees collaboration as key. "Our work is very intimate and not transactional," she notes. "Collaborating with other creators and partners could help shorten our business development timeframe."
The SparkUp Philosophy
Mindy's approach to business is deeply rooted in values. "Kindness, love, and respect are our north star," she says. This philosophy extends to her appreciation for details: "Many small details come together like your favorite song's lyrics. Each word itself doesn't necessarily stand out, but together, it creates a masterpiece."
Words of Wisdom
Reflecting on her journey, Mindy advises her younger self and fellow entrepreneurs: "Lead with a collaborative approach, common sense, and unwavering respect and professionalism. It will always result in a true win for everyone."
Fun Fact!
We could not resist asking: Who was Mindy's first celebrity crush? "As a tennis player, my first celebrity crush was Pete Sampras," she reveals. "Meeting him at the ATP Tournament in Mason, OH was a dream come true!"
Thank you, Mindy, for sharing your inspiring journey with SparkUp. Your dedication to creating meaningful experiences and fostering connections is truly admirable. We cannot wait to see what sparks you will ignite next!
Ready to get an elevated experience with flawless execution to achieve your goals, make meaningful connections and advance employee performance and retention?
Then contact us:
Mindy Bailey
SparkUp
2304 Alexandria Pike
Southgate, KY 41071
(513) 214-1501
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