Business, food is smokin’ at Smoker’s Delight BBQ
Brian Israel, owner of Smoker’s Delight BBQ and catering based in Indian Head, said he basically started a catering business from his home for family and friends while he held a position in law enforcement and worked the days that he was off to turn his passion and skills as pitmaster into a full-time barbecue business.
“I got really good at it,” Israel said. “I started enjoying it to the point where even on my days that I had to work, when I’d get off work, I’d be working the barbecue trailer in some shape, form or fashion, whether it be a catering event … an event outside of a nightclub or something like that … starting up the smoker and cooking.”
“The business started to grow,” Israel added. “In 2015, I had to make a choice, either stay working at the sheriff’s office … or, do what you love doing. Do your passion. Go out there and step out on faith … so, that’s what I did.”
It was in October of that year when Israel said he made the leap of faith as owner of Smoker’s Delight. With tent, tables and smoker in tow, Israel set up at Willing Helpers Hall, where he said his business got its start within the La Plata community.
“I was there Thursday, Friday and Saturday, right in the parking lot,” Israel said. “I then began to grow a huge customer base right there … and we starting taking turkey orders during the holidays. We did our smoked turkeys and our fried turkeys there that year, 2016.”
“We also did an event with the hall with homeless shelter people,” he said. “So, we provided about six turkeys that year and the following year. To come to the Willing Helpers Hall to help out with a free Thanksgiving Day dinner to the community, that was our way of giving back to the community and saying thank you for all that you do.”
Since that time, Smoker’s Delight has evolved into a thriving food business, serving up smoked ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken, fried fish, sides and more to customers throughout the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., areas. Israel said his pit stops include the La Plata Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and area events, and that he also provides on- and off-site catering services for special occasions.
Smoker’s Delight also welcomed the recent addition of a custom-built food trailer that Israel said he was able to purchase with a loan obtained through Charles County Economic Business Development.
“I’ve always been looking into getting a trailer, a food trailer, a kitchenette, everything,” he said. “I had been going to banks trying to apply for business loans and none of the banks would approve me because I’m too small, or not enough time in business.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new trailer was held Wednesday, Oct. 17, at the La Plata Farmers Market. Event attendees included officials with the Charles County Economic Development Department and the Town of La Plata.
“The Charles County Economic Development Department empowers small businesses to expand, create jobs, and promote economic growth. We recognize that small and micro businesses, such as Smoker’s Delight BBQ, make an impact on our economy, and at times, find it difficult to access capital for growth and expansion,” said Chief of Business Development Lucretia Freeman-Buster. “We were pleased to be able to change this narrative for Smoker’s Delight BBQ. Through our Business Development Loan Fund, this small business was able to receive the full amount of funding needed to expand its operation in Charles County.”
Going forward, Israel said he would like to grow the mobile side of Smoker’s Delight to serve the barbecue needs of customers at additional locations throughout the area.
“I just want to thank the community, the La Plata community especially, for the continued support,” Israel said. “I’d like to thank Charles County for having available programs to help and assist small businesses.”
For more information on Smoker’s Delight BBQ and catering, current locations and menus, go to www.facebook.com/bisrael2013.