Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim And Tara Eylens
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?
Tim & his wife, Tara grew up in and around Restaurants. You could say they’re marinated in, and married to the Industry.
From this lifetime of experience comes an authentic sense of Hospitality and a great partnership. He Smokes it, She Serves it!
Trust TNT to help you throw a Smoky Feast that will keep your guests talking!
Following success at Coaster Saloon, in 2019 Eylens took his BBQ expertise eastward to San Diego’s Del Cerro neighborhood to launch the CRG’s family-friendly eatery, Del’s Hideout. Chef Tim continues to showcase his traditional “low and slow” techniques to turn out some of the best barbeque in San Diego.
Tara was born the first female Marlo in 5 generations and it’s almost as if she’s been inside a Restaurant ever since. Nearly all of her family members worked in the Hospitality Industry. Her Grandparents opened Marlo’s Lounge in the late 60’s in Sesser, Illinois. Her Parents ran Marlo’s Restaurants and a nightclub in Mt. Vernon, Illinois in the early 70’s to mid 80s. She had an Uncle that opened Marlo’s Coal Inn in the mid 90s, & cousins that owned 3 Brothers Cafe in Sesser, Illinois in 2012. Her Father moved the entire Family to Las Vegas in the late 80’s to manage a restaurant at the iconic Dunes Hotel and Casino.
It’s no surprise that Tara met Tim, of course, in a restaurant! The first restaurant they opened together was the Otay Border Grill and Bar. They ran that for a little over a year. That led to their 10+ year relationship with Cohn Restaurant Group.
Tara has managed great locations throughout San Diego over the years, including Brigantine Family in Coronado, Ketch in Pt. Loma and STK in the Gaslamp Quarter but TNT is the culmination of their dream to work together again.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The industry in general is a struggle daily but holding each other up thru the years including the pandemic has brought us to this sweet spot able to cater and still work with Cohn Restaurant Group simultaneously.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Pitmaster/Chef Tim won the 2023 CRA Golden Medallion award. He’s won awards for his smoked brisket at the San Diego Food and Wine festival, West Coast BBQ competition in Del Mar and his Maker’s Mark BBQ sauce at the Food and Wine festival as well.
How do you think about happiness?
We really just enjoy feeding people and engaging in their celebrations, sharing in their memories, and seeing the smiles and joy on all their faces.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tntcaterssd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tntcaterssd?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561634289060&mibextid=ZbWKwL
Image Credits
Bwisephotosd
