Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaun Coleman
Hi Shaun, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into the culinary world started out of pure necessity—I was a broke college student without the extra cash to eat out. So, I got creative in the kitchen, experimenting with flavors and recipes. Before I knew it, I was cooking for friends, and their reactions were all the encouragement I needed. They loved my food so much that they started asking me to cook for their events, and that’s how catering was born.
Cooking runs in my blood. I grew up watching my mom and grandmother work their magic in the kitchen, and it always felt natural to me. My first-ever paid catering order was no small task—eight briskets at once! From there, everything grew through word of mouth. After college, I started doing festivals, and people kept requesting different dishes. I took on the challenge, kept experimenting, and every dish became a hit.
Today, we’re proud to bring bold, unforgettable flavors to every event we cater. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large festival, we’re all about delivering food that people can’t stop talking about.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but every challenge has been a learning experience. One of the biggest struggles has been educating people on what really goes into catering beyond just the food. Many only see the final dish and the price tag, but there’s so much more—quality ingredients, seasonings, time, labor, equipment, and the overall logistics of executing an event successfully. Catering isn’t just about cooking; it’s about creating an experience, and that takes serious effort and investment.
That being said, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a strong network of people who believe in me and have given me opportunities to succeed. I have a core group of longtime friends—‘The Goodfellas’—who have always put me in the right rooms and helped open doors that have led to some amazing opportunities. Their support, combined with my passion for food, has helped me push through the challenges and continue growing.
At the end of the day, every hurdle has only made me more committed to delivering incredible food and unforgettable experiences.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Flaming Smokebox BBQ and Catering Company ?
At the heart of our brand is a commitment to quality, flavor, and an unforgettable dining experience. Every dish we create is made from scratch using only the freshest, high-quality ingredients, blended with our signature homemade seasonings, herbs, and spices. We take no shortcuts—just bold, authentic flavors crafted with passion.
We’re known for dishes that keep people coming back. Our slow-smoked brisket, seasoned-to-perfection smoked honey-garlic lamb chops, seared and slow-cooked smothered oxtails, and our signature Port Arthur-style crawfish—seasoned from the inside out—have earned us a loyal following. Each dish reflects the time, expertise, and attention to detail that we pour into our cooking.
But we’re more than just great food—we’re a brand built on excellence. I’ve worked hard to evolve beyond just a BBQ pop-up chef, focusing on the business side just as much as the cooking. Where some chefs may lean solely into their craft, I’ve made sure to structure my company in a way that allows us to grow, scale, and continue delivering top-tier service to every client.
We cater everything from private celebrity dinners and weddings to corporate events, birthdays, festivals, and pop-ups. Every week, we bring our flavors to different locations across Houston, giving people the opportunity to experience our food in a variety of ways. We post our weekly schedule on Instagram, so our customers always know where to find us. Whether you need catering for a special event or just want to stop by for a plate of the best food in the city, we’ve got you covered.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t do it alone. Building a successful business takes a strong team, solid business practices, and a mindset focused on growth. Growth is what sets you apart—not competition. I don’t look at what anyone else is doing because I stay in my own lane, focused on perfecting my craft and elevating my brand.
I’m fortunate to have a supportive spouse, Shaleen Dove, and a core group of friends, like Demarcus Broden and Andrew Holley, who I can always count on. Their support, along with my dedication to the business, has been a driving force in my journey.
If you’re looking for unforgettable flavors, top-tier service, and a catering team that puts passion into every dish, we’ve got you covered. Follow us on Instagram to stay updated on our pop-ups and catering services, and let’s make your next event one to remember!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @the_flaming_smokebox
Image Credits
Photos by @mediadirectorhtx
Hair by @majay_naturalhands
Skin and Beard care by @viragoluxakin
Haircut by @_iam_dae28 @ gratitudebarberstudio
