BBQ Buddha Talks New NJ Restaurant and Sauce King NYC
Ray Sheehan has won many awards for his sauces and is about to open a new restaurant in NJ.
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New Jersey-based Ray Sheehan, aka BBQ Buddha, has been a long-time member of the national barbecue community. But his name ID has rocketed up in the past few years by collecting numerous awards for his delicious barbecue sauces, including the Grand Champion prize of Sauce King NYC.
Now Ray is looking forward to his next challenge — opening a new restaurant during one of the most tumultuous economic times in more than a decade. His new joint is called Ray’s Roadside Kitchen and is located in Cream Ridge, NJ. Ray plans to open the doors in August 2022.
NYC BBQ Weekly recently caught up with Ray as he prepares to open his restaurant and got his thoughts on the Sauce King NYC competition, which is about to start again. This conversation has been lightly edited for clarity.
Ray’s Roadside Kitchen will likely open in August 2022.
NYC BBQ Weekly (NBW): Can you tell us more about Ray’s Roadside Kitchen?
Ray Sheehan (RS): My forthcoming restaurant is Ray’s Roadside Kitchen. It will feature many American-style comfort foods such as Southern Fried Chicken, mac and cheese, fresh ground burgers, unique sandwiches, big bowl salads, and plenty of slow-smoked barbecue specials, along with a daily selection of fresh baked goods.
NBW: How long has the restaurant been in the works, and what are some of the challenges you’ve come across while trying to open?
RS: Discussions for the restaurant have been in the works almost since the beginning of the year. We’ve been actively putting it together since April. The main challenges have been getting equipment and renovations. Equipment costs 15 to 20% more and has long lead times. With renovations, contractors and service people have been too busy, but we’ve been fortunate. Local artists have stepped up to help us out with the design. They are doing everything from exterior paint to refinishing countertops and painting a mural on the back wall.
NBW: How important has entering award competitions been for building your brand?
RS: Entering awards competitions has been an integral part of our branding. Winning awards in many of the top competitions in the world have put us on the map. It has gotten us more wholesale accounts, helped build brand awareness, and even landed me a book deal.
Ray Sheehan has won numerous awards for his barbecue and hot sauces. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)
NBW: What are the top sauce competitions you have won awards in?
RS: My BBQ Buddha sauces have won awards in top competitions such as the American Royal’s “Best Sauce on the Planet” contest, the National Barbecue and Grilling Association’s Awards of Excellence, The International Flavor Awards, Sauce King NYC, and many others.
NBW: What is your overall take on Sauce King NYC?
RS: I love that Sauce King NYC not only gives startup companies a chance to be recognized. It shines a spotlight on the very best sauces from all over the world and what is happening right here on the East Coast.
NBW: And then you were the first Grand Champion for 2020’s Sauce King as well.
RS: I was floored with the win! My products went up against so many great sauces, so it truly was a humbling experience.
NBW: And you’ve continued to enter sauces in Sauce King even though you already won the top title?
RS: Yes, last year, we entered our new Mantra Hot Sauce and took home an award, so that was exciting. I am happy to support this great competition, and besides, I want to be part of what keeps it going. And you know, just like a BBQ competition, taste is very subjective. What wins this year may or may not win again with different judges, so who knows, maybe there’s a chance we can win again?
NBW: Did you make new connections via Sauce King NYC and other sauce competitions?
RS: I have met so many people via Sauce King NYC, both virtually and in person. One of the great things about winning is being invited to the Sauce King winners showcase at some of the events put on by Food Karma NYC, such as Rib King NYC and Pig Island. I was also thrilled to see our win featured in The Smoke Sheet and NYC BBQ Weekly! As far as retail connections, we have gotten into a bunch of stores right after our win. It is a really great icebreaker and a talking point when you meet with buyers.
Ray’s new book shows how to use the Big Green Egg and was released in March.
NBW: Your newest cookbook focuses on the Big Green Egg, but it has a Sauce King connection. Can you tell us about that?
RS: Although I had been cooking on kamado-style grills for some time, many don’t compare to the Big Green Egg, which was the grand prize for winning Sauce King NYC in 2022. After my first book, Award Winning BBQ Sauces and How to Use Them, I met with my publisher to discuss writing another book. After discussing a few different ideas, they could sense my enthusiasm for cooking on the Egg. I think that’s what really got the ball rolling. The new book, which was released in March, is called Big Green Egg Basics from a Master Barbecuer. I got to writing straight away with the intention of creating a book that would educate the reader as if they had never cooked on this type of grill before. In it, I cover everything from how to set it up to lighting the fire and controlling your temperatures. Whether you want to grill hot and fast, smoke low and slow, roast over a slow fire, or bake sweet or savory, the 60 recipes in this book have you covered.
NBW: Besides opening the restaurant, will you do anything else in person this year?
RS: I’ve done many of my appearances and signings already this year, but be on the lookout for book-signing dinner events and BBQ classes at the restaurant later this year. Our website is under development. Also, be sure to check out my Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.
Sean Ludwig
Founder, NYC BBQ
EAT ALL ABOUT IT (NEWS)
The New Jersey State Barbecue Championship is this weekend in North Wildwood.
Here are the top BBQ and related food news stories you need to know about this week:
This weekend, New Jersey barbecue fans (and their families) should head to the 24th annual New Jersey State Barbecue Championship and Anglesea Blues Festival. The event “will return Friday through Sunday, July 8 to 10, at Second and Olde New Jersey avenues in North Wildwood.” Organizers expect roughly 70,000 attendees over three days. READ MORE.
Another big NJ event this weekend is Saturday. The BBQ Extravaganza “returns to harness racing’s Meadowlands Racetrack. $2,500 is up for grabs in the BBQ Fest with $500 top prizes for the best brisket, chicken, pulled pork, and ribs plus a “fan favorite” vote winner.” READ MORE.
Pitmaster Tom Peters of Holy ‘Que Smokehouse (which is just north of Philly) spoke with the Philadelphia Tribune and shared a little bit of his story and barbecue tips. READ MORE.
The Park Plaza Diner in Downtown Brooklyn has opened up a dedicated barbecue operation next door, aptly called “Brooklyn BBQ.” The operation serves up a wide variety of smoked meats and Southern staples. READ HERE.
A new barbecue joint (we’ll use that term loosely) called Wild Honey Smokehouse and Tavern has opened up at the Tropicana casino in Atlantic City if you want to get your barbecue fix while also gambling. (A rib in one hand and a slot machine lever in the other?) READ HERE.
IRL BBQ EVENTS
Mark your calendars for food and fun at Pig Island NYC this September.
Here are the top BBQ and related food events coming soon to the New York metro area:
July 8-10, 2022: The New Jersey State Barbecue Championship and Anglesea Blues Festival will soon take place again in North Wildwood, NJ. The New Jersey State Barbecue Championship is a three-day open-air festival featuring a championship barbecue competition, live cooking demonstrations, special displays, and food and beverage vendors to satisfy every taste and appetite. The Anglesea Blues Festival features both national and regional blues musicians and is held in conjunction with the championship. MORE INFO HERE.
September 10, 2022: Pig Island NYC will celebrate its 13th year on September 10, 2022, at Snug Harbor on Staten Island. Join in for all-inclusive food and drink, from all-star pitmasters and chefs who will be serving up delicious porky goodness, as well as local breweries, distilleries, and cideries. Top chefs will compete for the best dishes and event-goers reap the benefits. Expect a ton of amazing eats and a great place to picnic with friends and family for the day. BUY TICKETS HERE.
Please get in touch if you would like your food event listed here!
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