Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron Kennedy.
Hi Ron, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was raised in Trinidad and Tobago, where my love for food and music first began. Growing up, food was more than just something to eat — it was how family and community came together. The island flavors, energy, and rhythms shaped a lot of who I am today.
I later moved to the U.S. for college, earning my bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems and my MBA. My career path led me into the tech and data field, and I now work as a data engineer at Chevron. But even while building that career, my passion for cooking never faded.
That passion eventually turned into Midan’s BBQ, a food truck based in Baytown, Texas. What started as backyard cookouts with family and friends grew into a full operation known for our brisket, ribs, and signature sides — all made with care, patience, and big flavor.
For me, it’s all about blending what I love — food, culture, and connection — and bringing people together through great BBQ and good vibes.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all — like most small business journeys, it’s had its fair share of challenges. Balancing a full-time career while running a food truck isn’t easy. There have been long nights, early mornings, equipment issues, and the constant learning curve that comes with the food industry.
One of the biggest struggles early on was consistency — getting the food, timing, and operations right every single time while still keeping that homemade quality people love. There’s also the business side: managing costs, staffing, and adapting to weather or slower seasons.
But through it all, the support from the community and the joy of seeing people enjoy the food make every challenge worth it. It’s been a road of growth, patience, and a lot of smoke — literally and figuratively.
As you know, we’re big fans of Midan’s BBQ. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Midan’s BBQ is all about real smoke, real flavor, and real community. We’re a Baytown-based BBQ food truck serving up slow-smoked meats and homemade sides made with care and passion. Our menu features favorites like brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sausages, along with signature sides that keep people coming back — everything cooked low and slow the right way.
What sets us apart is the mix of Southern tradition and island influence that naturally comes from my Trinidad and Tobago roots. You’ll taste that balance of bold seasoning and deep smoke in every bite. We don’t rush the process — every dish reflects time, technique, and love for the craft.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Midan’s BBQ has become more than just a food truck — it’s part of the community. From serving regulars every weekend to hosting giveaways and supporting local families, we try to make a positive impact beyond the plate.
At the end of the day, we want people to know that when you eat at Midan’s BBQ, you’re getting authentic, made-from-scratch BBQ — served with pride, good energy, and a little island soul.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’d say luck has played a role, but mostly in the form of opportunity meeting preparation. There have definitely been moments of good luck — the right person tasting our food at the right time, getting invited to local events, or meeting people who believed in what we’re building. Those moments helped open doors.
But there’s also been the other side — equipment breaking down mid-service, bad weather wiping out a whole weekend of sales, or plans that just didn’t go as expected. Those moments felt like bad luck, but they taught me to stay flexible and keep pushing forward.
Overall, I think luck shows up when you stay consistent and keep your heart in what you do. The good and bad both shape you — and in the BBQ world, you learn to take the heat and keep on smoking.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.midansbbq.com
- Instagram: @midans_bbq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midansbbq
- Youtube: @midansbbq
