Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Devey.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We opened Jan. 2nd of 2007. I was introduced to what slow smoked classic Barbecue tasted like and was truly taken back by how incredible it tasted. I finally understood what real Barbecue was. Growing up in Utah most barbecues consisted of hamburgers, hotdogs and maybe some chicken so the flavors of Brisket, Pulled Pork & Ribs that had been slow smoked and with the combination of sauces to compliment the meats just overwhelmed my taste buds. My mom Rhonda was looking for another opportunity due to massive changes that were happening in her company that she had spent over 30 yrs working for. We both decided to jump on an opportunity in a town that she had always wanted to live in that at the time had been voted as one of the top up and coming cities in America. She took a massive leap of faith entering an industry that has a huge failure rate. I had experience working for corporate restaurants, and had opened some of the most prominent restaurants & Bars in Salt Lake City. Together we had made a decision to create an opportunity in southern Utah for our family. Looking back enthusiasm and being truly naive may have been assets that have allowed us to still be in business almost 20 yrs later.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
So after we had committed to opening and started the build out in Saint George my parents had moved down to oversee the development of the restaurant. I was 2 days from moving there from Salt Lake and my first wife passed away suddenly. We had amicably split up and had a game plan for my 10 yr old daughter that would allow her time to spend with each of us. I was now dealing with her passing as well as now relocating my daughter full time to a whole new school, & home.
I was 3 days from leaving after settling all my wife’s affairs after her passing when I received a phone call that my Dad Ron was being life flighted to the University of Utah hospital. He had suffered a brain aneurysm while putting up Christmas lights.
Most of our family and friends were already questioning how we were going to pull this off. I have to say I wondered as well? Lots of sadness and grief was accompanied bye the motivation that something positive had to come from all of this and pure determination of what else are we going to do other than work through this as well. He was still struggling with the outcome of the surgery yet he was there every day trying to help in anyway possible. How do you give up when you see that type of determination or just willingness to help however he could. I’m proud of the work ethic he instilled in me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We specialize in classic slow smoked Barbecue. I believe one of our biggest assets was truly understanding we couldn’t do this without the support of the community. I have always prioritized the customer service aspect. I know how many customers pass other restaurants just to come to ours. We have customers like our good friend “Doug” that has been coming since the day we opened. We have “Sandy” who we see at least 5 times out the 6 we are open. I have celebrated serving weddings with kids I watched grow up & served our food at celebrations of life for some of our favorites that passed. Barbecue to me is about celebrating and appreciating the people we love and value. The whole process of smoking meats is slower and made with love. You spritz or baste the meat as it cooks all night or for hours and when you’re ready to eat it the satisfaction is worth every second spent to make it perfect. We want all of your dinners and events to feel like a special event!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
That I didn’t care for most BBQ growing up. I was raised that if it needed sauce it probably wasn’t cooked properly.
My family are diehard Buffalo Bills fans!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Dubsbarbq.com
- Instagram: Dubsbbq
- Facebook: DUBS’s BBQ & Catering
