Kevin Bludso, a name synonymous with authentic barbecue, has carved his path to culinary stardom through a blend of passion, perseverance, and a deep-rooted connection to his family's traditions. Recognized as one of America's leading pitmasters, Bludso's journey is a testament to the fact that success can emerge from unexpected detours. He is a veteran of the BBQ world who also appears as a judge on the hit Netflix show "American Barbecue Showdown."
From Compton to Corsicana: A Culinary Awakening
Growing up in Compton, California, and spending summers in Corsicana, Texas, with his grandmother, Willie Mae Fields, Bludso's early life was steeped in the flavors of traditional barbecue. Willie Mae ran a roadside stand, where Bludso learned the art of smoking meats. Despite his natural talent and love for cooking, Bludso initially resisted a career in the food industry, witnessing the dissatisfaction it brought to some of his family members.
A Detour into Corrections
True to his word, Bludso pursued higher education and subsequently joined the California Department of Corrections, where he worked for 13 years. However, his passion for barbecue never waned. Even during his time with the Department of Corrections, Kevin Bludso was still doing on the side what he does best: cooking BBQ. It was just for fun, even though his cooking was seriously good. He continued to hone his skills, catering on the side for friends and events. Notably, his talent caught the attention of prominent figures in the West Coast hip-hop scene. "[Dr.] Dre, Tupac, all of them. I was doing a lot of catering for a lot of those guys [on] a lot of video shoots and people were going crazy over the food."
The Birth of Bludso's BBQ
After a wrongful termination case with the Department of Corrections, Bludso decided to pursue his culinary passion full-time. As Bludso recalled, he was trying to supplement his income until he finished the wrongful termination case with the Department of Corrections. So he did. In 2008, he opened Bludso's BBQ in Compton, a walkup stand intended to support his children's education. "Bam! We opened up Bludso's, and the rest was history." This marked the beginning of a successful restaurant chain.
From Compton Stand to Culinary Empire
Bludso's dedication to quality and authentic flavors quickly propelled his barbecue to local acclaim. BBQ Revolt named Bludso’s one of the 10 Best in Los Angeles. Over time, Bludso expanded his brand, opening additional locations, including a Hollywood restaurant and concessions at the LAFC Soccer Stadium. He has a place in LAX’s Proud Bird Food Bazaar and the restaurant San Antone by Bludso’s BBQ at the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia.
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The Grind: Hard Work and Dedication
Bludso's success was not without its challenges. He emphasizes the grueling nature of building a restaurant business, stating, "I went almost 11 years straight without an off day. It’s going to be hard work and some long hours." Securing capital for his first restaurant was also difficult. "A lot of restaurants don’t make it because you want to start with money. When you start with money, you go further, especially if you have a good product and a good staff," says the entrepreneur. He saved $20,000 and received assistance from family members to launch his initial venture.
Lessons Learned: Food, Business, and Integrity
Through his experiences, Bludso learned valuable lessons about food quality, business management, and the importance of integrity. Good food, a business degree and being blessed made the difference for Bludso. He emphasizes the importance of serving fresh, high-quality barbecue, noting, "You’ve only got one time to make an impression. You can’t sell old barbecue." He also stresses the need for careful financial oversight to prevent theft and ensure profitability. "Make sure the business of the business is being taken care of. Even if you have somebody doing it every week, you need to take that time to go over the numbers and the sales and make sure no one is stealing."
Mentorship and Legacy
Beyond his culinary achievements, Bludso is committed to mentoring aspiring pitmasters and preserving the legacy of Black barbecue traditions. As shared in a Texas Monthly article, Bludso is part of Kingsford's new Preserve the Pit fellowship. He recognizes that today's aspiring pitmasters may not have the family mentorship he experienced.
Granny's Wisdom: Guiding Principles for Life
Bludso credits his grandmother, Willie Mae, with instilling in him the values and principles that have guided his life and career. So much of what he knows about barbecue, people and life came from Willie Mae. He shares her wisdom, such as treating customers like family, embracing challenges, and giving back to the community. My Granny always said, ‘I like T-bone steaks and ribeye steaks. I don’t like mistakes. He also remembers her humor, which helped him navigate difficult times. “Granny and her friends laughed at everything. That’s how they get through it.”
From Pit to Page: Sharing the Bludso Family Story
Bludso's soon-to-be-released cookbook, "The Bludso Family Cookbook," shares family stories, life lessons, and recipes inspired by his grandmother's cooking. He believes the stories and the lessons make his cookbook stand out. “It’s just showing a little boy from Compton learning life through food. It’s not just barbecue."
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TV Appearances: "American Barbecue Showdown"
Bludso's expertise and charismatic personality have led to appearances on television, including his role as a judge on Netflix's "American Barbecue Showdown." He recognizes the passion and innovation displayed by contestants. Bludso chuckles as he describes what he gets out of judging. “It made me see how much people love the game of barbecue. I love being a part of it."
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Flavor and Inspiration
As he approaches his late 50s, Bludso remains dedicated to his craft, his community, and his family. He imparts wisdom to his children, encouraging them to pursue their passions and persevere through challenges. One more thing Bludso tells his children and anyone focused on achieving financial and career success is to stay open-minded while finding the right path. He also reminds them to remember this if they get off course. “Your heart is going to always pay you. Your heart sometimes has to be put back in shape."
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