🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥

🔥 What happens when Chicago flavor meets Texas barbecue?

On this episode of The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast, we welcome Shawn Ealy, better known as Shawn Blaze of Shawn Blaze Kitchen, for a powerful conversation about barbecue, entrepreneurship, faith, family, and the grind behind building a food business.

From grilling in the Midwest to making a name for himself in the Dallas–Fort Worth barbecue scene, Shawn Blaze has built a following with his signature smoked turkey legs, smoked oxtails, Creole shrimp mac and cheese, and Chicago-inspired jerk creations.

But his journey goes far beyond the food.

After a serious battle with COVID-19, Shawn gained a new perspective on life and discovered what he believes is his purpose: feeding God's children. That experience helped fuel his passion for cooking and inspired him to take his culinary journey to another level.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE:

🍗 Chicago Flavor Meets Texas BBQ:How Shawn brought his Midwest roots to the Texas barbecue scene with smoked turkey legs, jerk chicken, brisket, and loaded mac and cheese.

💪🏾 Finding Purpose Through Adversity: How surviving COVID changed Shawn's outlook on life, faith, and pursuing his passion.

💰 The REAL Cost of Barbecue: Why great barbecue isn't cheap and why customers need to understand the time, labor, ingredients, and dedication behind every plate.

⏰ The Entrepreneurial Grind: The early mornings, long hours, and sacrifices involved in running a catering and pop-up food business.

📱 The Power of Social Media: How food reviews, customer recommendations, and viral posts can help small barbecue businesses reach new audiences.

🚚 What's Next for Shawn Blaze Kitchen: Food truck plans, bigger events, expanding catering opportunities, and Shawn's signature Blaze jerk aioli.

🏆 THE MAC AND CHEESE SHOWDOWN: Things get interesting when Shawn Blaze and Brandon start talking about going head-to-head in a mac and cheese cook-off! Who's really got the best Mac?

Whether you're a backyard pitmaster, barbecue entrepreneur, food lover, or somebody who appreciates a great success story, this episode delivers real conversations, plenty of laughs, and insight into the barbecue business.

🔥 CONNECT WITH SHAWN BLAZE KITCHEN

Facebook: Shawn Blaze Barbecue

Instagram: Shawn Blaze Kitchen

TikTok: @BlazeKitchenOne

Follow Shawn to find out where he'll be serving up his signature creations next!

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👍 LIKE this video if you love great barbecue and real conversations.

💬 COMMENT BELOW: Are you choosing smoked turkey legs, smoked oxtails, or jerk chicken mac and cheese? And who would win a mac and cheese cook-off: Brandon or Shawn Blaze?

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Harder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor.

👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order!

🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.com

Exhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last.

🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com

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