Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Murphy.
Hi Caleb, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The oldest of five siblings, I developed a love for barbecue as a kid. My parents would volunteer to cook what seemed like an endless supply of ribs or pork butts to raise money for various sports my siblings and I were involved in. As I got older, I began to expand my culinary skills (as a hobby) to help with my dad’s non-profit organization. Most weeks we were cooking for a crowd for ministry purposes. We began collecting large smokers, developed a barbecue sauce, and really enjoyed what we were doing. When COVID struck we began providing meals for the community. My dad and I had always talked about the idea of owning a restaurant, but it was just a dream. In 2024, I finally met the love of my life and settled in Florence, SC. We were married 5 months and had just purchased our first home when an opportunity to open a small diner in Chesnee, SC, came our way. My wife, Kristen, and I, along with my parents, opened the Southern Fusion BBQ Barn in July 2024.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We’ve had a bit of a learning curve having never worked in the food industry before. I’ve kept my full-time job so working six days a week is often exhausting, especially as a new husband. Overall, we have had some setbacks but have been greatly supported by the community.
As you know, we’re big fans of Southern Fusion BBQ Barn. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a small barbecue dive in the upstate of SC. We specialize in slow cooked, smoked meats and made from scratch sides. We are known for our Brisket, Ribs, Chicken Wings, Carolina Twinkies, Mac’N Cheese, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Fresh Cut Fries, and Helen’s Homemade Pound Cake. We have two original sauces which blend all the best flavors of the south. We also offer catering services for large events.
The last weekend of the month we donate 100% of our dessert sales to various non-profits and individuals in the community with special needs.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I am a believer in Christ Jesus. There are many times when I feel led to operate outside of my comfort zone. Selling a home I have only had for 5 months, moving to a new area of the state, and starting a business I knew little about would seem ridiculous to some, but everything my wife and I have done has been motivated by prayer. Each step of the way our hard work has been met with blessings.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Southern-Fusion-BBQ-Barn-61560670293861/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/southern-fusion-bbq-barn-chesnee?osq=southern+fusion+bbq+barn
- Other: https://share.google/jFnnLxjtcOWDx9bAn
