In this episode, Phil and Johanna welcome Diane from Ducky's in Galesburg to discuss essential tips and trends for engaged couples planning their weddings. They explore the importance of creating memorable guest experiences, the significance of personal touches, and the necessity of effective communication with vendors. Diane shares insights from her extensive experience in the wedding industry, emphasizing the need for couples to prioritize what matters most to them while navigating the planning process. The conversation also touches on food trends, budgeting, and the value of supporting local small businesses. As the episode concludes, Diane offers heartfelt advice for couples to enjoy their special day and live in the moment.

Phil and Johanna share the journey of starting Henn House BBQ, from their humble beginnings with a backyard smoker to launching a successful BBQ sauce and navigating the challenges of running a catering business. They discuss early challenges, the impact of COVID-19, and their recent successes, including expanding their team and catering for large events. For more and catering inquiries please visit: hennhousebbq.com

In this episode of Beyond the Smoke, Phil and Johanna interview Lucas, the online operations manager for Henn House BBQ. Lucas shares his journey into the BBQ industry, the importance of online operations, and how he manages the digital aspects of the business. He discusses the typical day in his role, the challenges faced in technology, and the structured customer journey for catering. The conversation also covers social media strategies, content creation, and future opportunities for growth in the BBQ industry.