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Meet Mike Eldred of Papa Legba Hoodoo BBQ & Soul Supply in Chandler

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Eldred.

Mike, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
We love the culture, history, and mostly… FOOD. I grew up in a home that had strong culinary influences, mostly from the South. My Grandmother and my Mother were both from Texas, and as a result, we ate very southern-style meals. But, instead of just being on the receiving end of the cooking experience, I decided VERY early on that I wanted (or needed) to learn how to create some of this food. My Grandmother would take me shopping with her and we would go to all of these small grocery stores and meat markets. She (along with my Mom) would teach me how to make gravy, fried okra, biscuits, and many other southern staples.

As I grew up, I became more and more interested in southern cooking as well as the traditions and history of the South. I have traveled there many times and tasted some amazing food, but the style that has always haunted me was barbeque. I still visit and talk with every BBQ joint I can: leaning methods, flavors, types of woods to use, everything. As I worked at this cooking method, I also saw the need for better rubs, food, preparations, and utensils. I’m always trying something new, and always trying to make it taste better or at least different (in a good way!).

As a musician, I go on tour a lot, and I would always make my beef jerky to eat while we make the long drives. On one tour, we were selling CD’s, T-Shirts, etc. and I made a joke that I was going to stop at a grocery store, and buy a pie, slice it up, and sell it at the merch table for $5 a slice because people were buying all of our stuff! The drummer was sitting in the back seat, eating my jerky and he says, “What you should be selling is this!” So, when I got home, I started packaging it up, called it “Hoodoo Jerky” and took it to the next show and sold 20 bags! Now, we sell coffee, aprons, BBQ rub, and our jerky everywhere we play.

The biggest thing that we want to do with this business is to help people understand the preparation and how to get the most out of BBQ. We want to show people how to embrace this part of Americana more and become a better griller or cook or whatever. Mostly, to enjoy life and good friends, family, and FOOD!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being able to keep up with demand is getting harder. I’m running out space and I need more equipment. Selling out is a good thing and a bad thing!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Papa Legba Hoodoo BBQ & Soul Supply – what should we know?
ALL of our food products taste amazing! We have created lifestyle items that embrace the culture and heritage of the South using folklore elements and imagery. Our unique branding sets our products apart from all other competitors making our items much more attractive to consumers.

The brand is a lifestyle brand that quickly built a strong consumer base that continues to return and support the product offerings as we add them. We offer an “alternative culinary experience” that builds awareness and confidence with the consumer. Our products capitalize on key objectives and opportunities such as male demographic culinary growth, smoking/grilling market growth, and general “lifestyle” enhancement opportunities.

From The Washington Post: “Today’s at-home chefs are more likely to cook with an iPhone instead of a recipe book. They’re more likely to draw their inspirations from a Facebook video. And they’re more likely to post a photo of what they cook on Instagram or Pinterest. One other big change: They’re more likely to be men.” Cooking (BBQ or grilling) is becoming more popular than ever. People are seeking out new spices, tastes, and they want it to be cool and part of an experience in creating something cool. We started selling our Love Rub & Hoodoo Jerky at shows, and we consistently sell out.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have a lot of friends who are well-known Chefs. Mark Tarbell, Dean Fearing, and Michael Jordan are all great friends and have encouraged me throughout this journey. Many artists in the music industry are friends (and customers!) of mine as well. John Mayer, Jeffery Ross, Alastair Greene, and many others all use our products and continue to support what we do.

 Pricing:

  • Love Rub – $10 for 6oz and $20 for 10oz
  • Hoodoo Jerky – $10 for 3oz bag
  • Lucky Beans Coffee – $15 for 12oz bag
  • Hoodoo BBQ Apron – $30

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Brad Olson Photography

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