Today we’d like to introduce you to Frances Close and Brian Gray. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Railroad BBQ is now under the co-ownership and management of Brian Gray and Camille Gray-Felder, the children of the late Kevin Alexander Gray. Kevin, a longstanding civil rights activist, author, editor, and former co-owner of Railroad BBQ in downtown Columbia, South Carolina, passed away suddenly on March 7, 2023. Kevin played a pivotal role in numerous community organizing efforts throughout his life. At the time of his death at 65, Kevin Gray was a prominent figure in Columbia’s political and activist scene. He served on the national board of the American Civil Liberties Union and acted as the South Carolina coordinator for the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaign in the 1980s. Remembered as a fearless advocate for people, Kevin was known for his clarity of ideas and willingness to challenge authority. Michaela Pilar Brown, a notable figure in the city’s arts community and owner of the Mike Brown Gallery, described Kevin as a radical thinker and a wonderful human being. The walls of the barbecue restaurant, adorned with hundreds of photographs, political posters, stickers, and other historical pieces, reflect Kevin’s personal touch. Despite spending years renovating and preparing the restaurant, he had to close its doors when the pandemic struck abruptly. In a previous interview with Free Times, Kevin Gray expressed his independent approach to operating the restaurant, stating, “I wasn’t operating on anybody’s timeframe except my own. That’s how I usually operate. It did take me a little while to say, ‘OK, I’m done,’ and open it.”
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Well, my friend, let me share with you: Life’s journey for me has been anything but a crystal staircase. In March 2020, just on the brink of the COVID-19 pandemic grinding life to a standstill, Gray unveiled Railroad BBQ at 2001 Hampton Street. Throughout those challenging times, Railroad persevered, sustaining its operations by keeping our dedicated employees engaged in delivery services such as Door Dash, Uber Eats, Chow Now, and more. Similar to other establishments in town, Railroad BBQ, after weathering the storm of the pandemic, eventually reopened its doors and gained recognition for its timeless southern barbecue delights, including its signature brisket, St. Louis-style ribs, and an extensive array of sides, even offered in vegan as well. “We envisioned this restaurant as a hub for people to connect, fostering communication and contributing to community economic development,” expressed Gray in a 2022 interview as part of the Julian Bond Oral History Project. Brian Gray, who runs the establishment with his sister, says, “Running a restaurant is no easy feat, especially with the persistent hurdles emerging during our recovery from the pandemic and the looming threat of a rising recession in the coming year. We find ourselves grappling with the same challenges I’m sure some of our competitors wrestle with:
- Addressing inflation and the surge in food costs
- Recruiting and retaining high-quality staff
- Managing escalating operational expenses
- Expanding outreach to new customers
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Railroad BBQ?
Railroad BBQ is a local neighborhood restaurant that celebrates great Southern Food and South Carolina’s unique place in history. Our motto is “The Best Darn BBQ on Both Sides of the Tracks,” which means we want to reach everyone. Drop on by; we guarantee that our smoked meats “ain’t nothing but the truth!” This restaurant is a BBQ lover’s dream, from Texas-style slow-cooked brisket to pulled pork and chicken! With historic original pictures and artifacts on almost every visible surface in the building, this spot is like a museum and a South Carolina cookout wrapped in one. You can visit the Railroad BBQ website. www.railroadbbqsc.com
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Opening and owning your restaurant can have many ups and downs. Some of the essential takeaways for my sister and I are:
- Adaptability is Key: The restaurant industry is dynamic, and unforeseen challenges will arise. Being adaptable and open to change is crucial for overcoming obstacles and staying relevant in a competitive market.
- Customer Satisfaction is Paramount: Satisfied customers are the lifeblood of any restaurant. Consistently delivering quality food, excellent service, and a positive dining experience is essential for building a loyal customer base.
- Consistency Builds Trust: Consistency in both food and service quality builds customer trust. Establishing and maintaining high standards ensures patrons know what to expect each time they visit.
- Listen to Customer Feedback: Paying attention to customer feedback, whether positive or negative, provides valuable insights. It helps identify areas for improvement and allows you to respond to customer preferences and concerns.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.railroadbbqsc.com/
- Instagram: @therailroadbbq
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/railroad-bbq-columbia-2
Image Credits
Brian Gray
