The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast · Episode 104 · November 2, 2026 · 57 min
He Never Wanted a BBQ Restaurant. Now He's Carrying His Family's Legacy | Tay Nelson
🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥He never wanted to own another restaurant. Today, Tay Nelson is carrying on his family's legacy through Bobby's Barbecue in Fountain Inn, South Carolina.What started with a homemade seasoning blend honoring his late father and brother eventually became a thriving barbecue business built on family, faith, perseverance, and a love for the craft.In this episode of the Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast, Brandon (BKC Cooks) and Tee (T-Dub BBQ) sit down with Tay Nelson, co-owner and pitmaster of Bobby's Barbecue, for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, barbecue culture, and the journey that brought him back to the very business he once swore he'd never enter again.Tay shares how he learned to smoke meat using a $100 grill and YouTube videos, eventually discovering Aaron Franklin and developing a passion for Texas-style barbecue. But his journey was far from straightforward.From working at General Electric to taking a leap of faith with his wife, Sarah, Tay opens up about the sacrifices of building a restaurant, balancing business and family, overcoming personal adversity, and the responsibility of carrying on his family's name.In this episode, we discuss:- Growing up working in his father's restaurant and the legacy behind Bobby's Barbecue- How a $100 grill and YouTube University started his barbecue journey- Learning from Aaron Franklin and other legendary pitmasters- Leaving corporate America and betting on himself- The financial and personal realities of owning a barbecue restaurant- Blending Central Texas barbecue with South Carolina traditions- Preserving Black barbecue history through whole hog, hash, and rice- The importance of mentorship, community, and giving back- How Tay's personal experiences shaped his outlook on life and businessFrom oak-smoked brisket and house-made sausage to traditional South Carolina whole hog barbecue, Bobby's Barbecue represents more than great food. It's about honoring the past while creating opportunities for the next generation.ABOUT BOBBY'S BARBECUE📍 1301 North Main Street, Fountain Inn, SC 29644Hours: Thursday–Saturday | 11 AM–8 PMFirst Saturday of every month: Whole Hog, Hash & RiceCatering available — We come to you!Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @EatBobbysWebsite: www.EatBobbys.com**JOIN THE CONVERSATION**What's the biggest lesson you've learned from taking a chance on yourself?Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let us know if you've visited Bobby's Barbecue!#BlackSmokeBarbecue #TayNelson #BobbysBarbecueHarder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor.👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order!🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.comExhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last.🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue📲 Connect With UsInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecueFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue