Today we’d like to introduce you to Teddy Parish.
Hi Teddy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My passion for cooking started when I was a child, cooking with my grandmother (Opal Lee Parish) and my mother (Sharon Parish). They love to cook, and I love to eat. They always said I needed to learn how to cook because I enjoy eating.
It wasn’t until May 27, 2025, just after my mother’s birthday on May 22, that I had a motorcycle accident. That accident didn’t end my passion for motorcycles, but it definitely helped me pick up my cooking hobby again. I began searching for pit builders and reached out to Paul Mata, owner of PRM BBQ, a Texas BBQ pit builder, who I learned is a great person. After I received my BBQ pit, I hit the ground running, gaining support from many people like the Houston Bike Life Community, my motorcycle mechanic and friend Josue Manzano, owner of In and Out Cycle, who encouraged me to focus more on cooking and less on riding motorcycles.
I used to be a full-time firefighter, and firefighters love to eat. I was considered one of the top cooks, so when I started my business, the brotherhood and sisterhood offered big support. As I transitioned into my law enforcement career, I gained even more support.
Now, on my days off, I cook full-time, doing pop-ups and working with most of the local breweries in town. I’m also willing to travel so my people can enjoy my culinary skills.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing. I discovered that BBQ can be political in some ways. There are many things about BBQ you need to understand. It’s not just about putting meat on the grill and serving it. You have to keep educating yourself by learning about your customers, considering regional differences across Texas and other places, as well as various cultural backgrounds. You need to be very considerate; while you can’t always meet every need, it’s important that you think about others’ needs.
For example: (Salts), your foods shouldn’t be too salty or too peppery. (Meat cuts): some cultures can’t eat certain meats but still love BBQ and want to enjoy good food. (Health issues): you must consider allergies and be transparent about ingredients. (Vegetarian options): I don’t always have vegetarian choices, but when I do, they’re really delicious — like honey garlic roasted zucchini on the Santa Maria grill, away from meat products, or fried vegetable rice.
That’s why I change my menus often—to offer more options for individuals and to expand my customer base.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My career is as an Arson Investigator. I serve a dual role as both a firefighter and law enforcement officer. My job involves determining fire causes based on fire patterns, whether it was intentional, accidental, or natural. Some fires can be truly challenging, and you might not be able to identify the cause, leaving it undetermined. Becoming an Arson Investigator has been a long-term career goal of mine since I started my firefighter career. Although it is my second love and passion, it can be stressful. So, when I cook on my off days, the stress leaves when I see happy faces sucking on their fingers from eating my food.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always open to collaboration and learning about others’ passions. I can be reached through my social media accounts that I manage, or by cell phone call/text/email.
Instagram: the hungry hub HTX
Facebook: the hungry hub HTX
Email: thehungryhubhtx20@gmail.com
Cell: 346-628-3817
Pricing:
- Catering packages vary on cuts of meats $$$
- Rib plate with 2 sides: $20
- 1/4 Brisket with 2 sides: $22
- Brisket Enchiladas: $15
- Smoked tender turkey legs: $13, Holiday smoked turkey:$85-$90
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hungry_hub_htx?igsh=cTNtbTdkcndvOTZ5&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1SEDNUHpjh/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: The hungry hub Htx
