Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian Cromedy.
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?
More than a decade ago, what started as a friendly backyard rib competition with his wife, Emma, changed everything. After cousin Joey declared Emma’s ribs the winner, Ian jokingly vowed to never lose another BBQ battl and that playful rivalry sparked a passion that would become his calling.
Determined to perfect his craft, Ian immersed himself in the art of live-fire cooking and traditional barbecue. What began with weekends behind the grill evolved into years of mastering smoking techniques, developing his own signature dry rub, mustard-based BBQ sauce, and mop sauce, and creating unforgettable flavors that keep people coming back.
Today, Ian is the pitmaster behind UndercoverBBQBoss, known for his smoked ribs, chicken, brisket, and whole hog. His philosophy is simple: quality ingredients, patience, and the time-honored “low and slow” smoking method. Every meal is crafted with passion, precision, and a genuine love for bringing people together around great barbecue.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of my biggest challenges has been balancing my passion for barbecue while working a full-time job. Like many entrepreneurs, I had to build my dream during evenings, weekends, and any free time I could find. It hasn’t always been easy, but my love for live-fire cooking has kept me motivated.
One of the toughest moments came on the way to my very first vending event when my smoker broke loose and was destroyed while traveling down Interstate 26. It was devastating because I had invested so much time and money preparing for that opportunity. It took nearly four months to recover and rebuild, but I refused to let that setback define me. Instead, I turned it into an opportunity and had a custom smoker built that better fit my style of cooking and my long-term vision.
That experience taught me resilience. Every obstacle has strengthened my commitment to becoming a better pitmaster, and today I’m proud that those challenges have helped shape the quality, passion, and determination behind UndercoverBBQBoss.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about UndercoverBBQBoss?
UndercoverBBQBoss is more than a barbecue business—it’s a passion project built around bringing people together through great food and unforgettable experiences. We specialize in authentic, slow-smoked meats, using our signature dry rub and house-made mustard-based BBQ sauce to create bold, unforgettable flavors. Every piece of meat is cooked low and slow with the care and patience that true barbecue deserves.
In addition to serving the public through pop-ups and vending events, we proudly cater corporate events, weddings, private parties, and social gatherings throughout the Lowcountry. Whether we’re feeding 25 guests or 500, our goal is always the same: deliver exceptional barbecue and genuine Southern hospitality.
One of our proudest accomplishments has been participating in the 2026 Charleston Wine + Food Festival and competing in Country Style 2026 in Blenheim, South Carolina. Those opportunities allowed us to showcase our craft alongside some of the region’s best pitmasters and chefs while continuing to grow our brand.
What truly sets UndercoverBBQBoss apart is our commitment to doing things the right way. We don’t rush the process, we make our own signature rub and sauce, and we believe every meal should leave people talking long after the last bite. Our brand is built on authenticity, consistency, and creating experiences that bring family, friends, and communities together around the table.
Want to know where we’ll be cooking next? Follow @undercoverbbqboss on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or join our mailing list at http://eepurl.com/9lUT3_B0ZY for event announcements, pop-up locations, and exclusive updates. We look forward to serving you soon!
What are your plans for the future?
As we continue to grow, our focus is on securing strategic brand partnerships with companies that align with our values while expanding the online sales of our signature dry rub and mustard-based BBQ sauce. We want barbecue lovers everywhere to enjoy the same bold flavors they experience at our events, right from their own backyard.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.undercoverbbqboss.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/undercoverbbqboss
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/undercoverbbqboss
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@underscoverbbqboss
