Social Que BBQ Launches Brick & Mortar
By Bill Nelson, Author, Firm Grip
Spend any time with The Collective member Brealon Hervey, and a list of words that describe him will soon fill your mind; Passionate. Motivated. Energetic. Charismatic. Tenacious. But the longer you talk with him you will soon realize that one word best describes the essence of this larger-than-life man: Community.
Born into a family of barbeque grill masters, Brealon inherited his passion for grilling top quality barbeque meats. His father gave him a fourteen-inch grill and that was all he needed to confirm his calling. From that small grill he worked up to a custom grill, then a portable grill, built on the frame of a jet ski trailer, filling orders from friends and family on weekends and after his day job at a local paint store. Although it was his barbeque skills that brought people to his home, Brealon noticed something even more special; his barbeque brought people together. Brealon’s entire face smiles when he describes what it felt like to sit back and watch people tell stores, laugh, and simply enjoy each other’s company while devouring his gourmet BBQ.
Perfecting his recipes with special seasonings, rubs, and sauces, Brealon knew it was time to take his gig full time. Drawing from the joy he experienced seeing people come together to share in his savory fare, Brealon launched Social Que in the fall of 2017. By 2019, Social Que had already outgrown the small portable grill. Confident in his ability to succeed, Brealon invested in himself and his business to create a new future, purchasing a food trailer, custom built for his unique barbequing needs, which has now expanded to include catering. And yet, his dream was still unfinished. Deep down, Brealon harbored a grander goal; a brick-and-mortar location where people gather in community to enjoy some of the best barbeque in the Midwest.
Not wasting any time, he found space, got to work, and will be launching Social Que’s first restaurant at 1701 Franklin Street in Michigan City, IN with a targeted opening of late May. As Brealon continues to grow his business, he is committed to investing in his community. Rather than hire employees, he aims to employ future entrepreneurs, those with a passion to start their own business. Brealon has learned much about every aspect of owning and running a business and he desires to share that knowledge with others, preparing them to launch their business dreams. He realizes that may mean training his staff to eventually leave, but he believes that’s what a community should do; help others chase their dreams, live fulfilling lives, and create a culture of giving back. If Brealon’s past is any indication of the success of his future, there is much good to come to both his business and his community. Make sure to check out the new Social Que restaurant, and when you do look for Brealon and his big smile. He’d love to meet you.
