Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Sweat.
Chris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
We started Oak & Anchor BBQ in 2017, before my retirement after 24 years of Naval service. We were doing small catering functions at first, American Youth Soccer Organization was one of our first fully catered events. The momentum began to build with the introduction to Tim Parker of Chula Vista Brewery. We started in the alley behind the brewery on Thursdays then soon turned into weekends. In 2019 we began on the street in front of the brewery on third avenue. When Covid 19 hit we had to shift our focus and began delivering slow smoked meats throughout the county which we continued until the ban was lifted. The city of Chula Vista allowed businesses to operate during this time if they had food available with outside seating, which allowed us to thrive as a small business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We have struggled with things like staffing or the lack thereof around the county in the food industry. The increase of commodity prices, the lack of products, and the block in the supply chains have been a slippery slope to climb.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Oak and Anchor BBQ?
Oak and Anchor BBQ is a disabled veteran, minority small business that provides high quality smoked meats to the community of Chula Vista. What separates us from others is we are a family owned and operated business, a symbol of unity, power, and resilience. Our BBQ has its roots in Texas and that’s how we like it, low and slow and sauce on the side.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
This City is a symbol of diversity, which allows me to meet and experience cultures that I may have not otherwise been exposed to. The traffic is what I least like about the city.
Contact Info:
- Email: oakandanchorbbq@gmail.com
- Website: https://oakandanchorbbq.com/
- Instagram: @oakandanchorbbq
- Facebook: Oak and Anchor BBQ
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oak-and-anchor-bbq-chula-vista
Image Credits:
Arlene Ibarra
