Jessica Bograd on Mastering Barbeque: From R&D to Culinary Excellence at City Barbeque

#69. Join host Josh Sharkey on today's meez Podcast as he delves into the world of barbeque with Jessica Bograd, the Senior Director of Culinary for City Barbeque (www.citybbq.com/) . Jessica is not only an incredible chef but also runs an exceptional operation at City Barbeque. Before her tenure at City Barbeque, Jessica was deeply involved in R&D, creating menu items for well-known brands like Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, TGI Fridays, Inspire Brands, and Focus Brands.
In this episode, we explore Jessica’s extensive experience in R&D at scale, highlighting her insights and expertise. Discover the fascinating world of food competitions, where Jessica has been a fierce competitor since a young age, excelling in sandwich and barbeque contests with her dedicated team.
The conversation takes a deep dive into the intricacies of barbeque, including the training and culture at City Barbeque. Jessica shares how they educate their team on different styles, smoking processes, and safety protocols, fostering a culture of learning and growth. The company’s commitment to excellence has earned them a spot in the top 100 fast-casual movers and shakers.
Tune in to hear Jessica's inspiring journey and gain a new appreciation for the art and science of barbeque at scale. This episode is a must-listen for barbeque enthusiasts and culinary professionals alike.
Where to find Jessica Bograd:
• LinkedIn ( / jessica-bograd-66113216 )
Where to find City Barbeque
• LinkedIn ( / city-barbeque )
• Instagram ( / citybbq )
• Twitter (x.com/CityBarb...)
• Facebook ( / citybarbequeandcatering )
• Pinterest ( / citybarbeque )
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
• Instagram ( / joshlsharkey )
• LinkedIn ( / joshua-sharkey-406965b )
• TikTok ( / joshlsharkey )
• Twitter ( / joshualsharkey )
In this episode, we cover:
(03:28): Jessica's background
(04:35): Jessica's passion for competing
(10:13): How Jessica defines barbeque
(19:25): Wood preference for smoking
(23:23): Jess's experience in the R&D world
(36:56): A day in the life of Jess at City Barbeque
(42:16): Upward mobility options for City Barbeque employees
(47:25): The hardest and best part of Jess's job
(50:16): What Jess is looking forward to for the future of City Barbeque