What is the best thing about being in the Barbecue business?
That’s easy! The customers! The people who come to our place are literally the BEST! The love we feel from our guests is so humbling every day. I love talking to people who have come for the first time or who are there for the 3rd time and bringing family. It makes my heart so happy to see the love we put in our food being shared with our guests. Our customers are truly like family to us and coming to work and feeling that love from them can turn any bad day around.
What is the worst thing about being in the Barbecue business? How long the food takes to cook! BBQ is an around the clock job. We try to never sell out of food, so our pits are going nonstop. Which means someone is always having to work those tough late night/early morning hours.
How do you juggle being a wife, mother, and entrepreneur? Any advice you can give as a working mom making it all happen every day? Does anyone really juggle it all?! I have a lot of help from family and friends. My sisters all work with us and will help with my kids at the drop of a hat. My in laws are so amazing and have helped us with anything & everything since we started this business. My husband is an awesome Dad and always supportive of helping me when I need it. It truly takes a village to make it all happen. I’m so blessed that I have an amazing support system.
What do you do for fun? I love shopping! Whether its for myself, the kids, supplies for events, anything, I am in for it. I also love going to arcades and skating rinks with Miguel and the kids.
If you were going to give one piece of advice to a young person who wanted to get into the business of barbecue or just “food” in general, what would that be? It’s hard work. Don’t get in it for the money. I think the reason we have done so well is because we put our heart and soul into our food and our business, not for the money but for the love of the food we are making and the feelings it invokes.
What’s next for Modesty Vidal? If you could do something outside of the barbecue business, what would that be? Next step is an event venue. I would love to have a space that would be an all inclusion event space that makes it super easy on the clients.
When you actually get the chance…what do you do with girlfriends on a “Night Out” on the town? I love stand up comedy. We go eat some fancy dinner then get some laughs!
When you have guests in town are there any local restaurants, shops, or favorite attractions you like to direct them to? Pieous is my fave pizza in town! I dream about their desserts every night. I also love Cow Tipping Creamery. If you can’t tell, I have a major sweet tooth. If someone has never been to Austin, I direct them to a stroll on South Congress. There’s nothing like the views of Soco. Plus, you can get an iced turbo from Jo’s (my fave coffee drink!)
Favorite Musician? I love pop music! Lady Gaga & Britney Spears are my two faves.
If you were to empty out your purse on the table right now, what would we find? So much!! Wallet, shades, receipts, change, makeup, the norm. I usually always have some candy (gotta have bribes for the kids), and I always have a Red Bull.
Is there a local or national charitable cause that you support and would like more people to be aware of? We support our kids schools. Boone Elementary, Covington Middle School, & Ann Richards.
We end each interview with a piece we can share from your kitchen to the reader’s home kitchen. Think of it as sharing a recipe card from one good friend to another. What is a favorite recipe you like to share from your home kitchen when you are entertaining with friends and family?
FRUIT & GRAHAM CRACKER DIP
“This is a super simple recipe, but I love it so much! I can only make it for parties because if I make it at home, I will eat way too much!” ~Modesty
Ingredients:
1 pkg 8oz cream cheese
1 jar (7oz) marshmallow cream
1 vanilla bean (can sub 1tsp vanilla extract)
Directions:
Blend together all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Enjoy with Graham Crackers.
Bev-Alc’s St. Paddy’s Luck Runs Out
