BIG STONE GAP, VA – June 9, 2022 – Traditional Texas-style barbecue is what customers of Huff Daddy BBQ will find when they visit the walk-up location of the barbecue storefront in Big Stone Gap, Va. Owned by Larry Huff, Huff Daddy BBQ offers carryout barbecue orders, as well as dining options on its front porch.
The business was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
“VCEDA was pleased to provide seed capital match funding for Huff Daddy BBQ,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “Assisting entrepreneurs in growing their new businesses while creating jobs is what the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant program is all about. The business projects four full-time jobs and seven part-time jobs within five years.”
Huff said that what sets his barbecues apart from other prep methods are original Texas-style BBQ methods, he described as salt, pepper and “a little love.” He learned the recipe he uses today while he was in the military, where he said he first took up the art of how to properly smoke meats. Feeding people and watching their satisfaction as they enjoy something he has prepared is what Huff said motivates him.
The menu features “samidges” and wraps from pulled pork and smoked chicken to brisket and smoked bacon. Patrons may add mac and cheese, slaw and “Johnny Cash pickles” to any smoked meat option.
The storefront location in Big Stone Gap is central to both the business district of the town and in walking distance of several residential areas. The business began as a mobile unit serving the area at local festivals, ballgames and other community events. The walkup/drive-up location now provides window service and the business also offers catering for events.
“The VCEDA grant has been a life saver for Huff Daddy BBQ,” Huff said. “It’s helped us with the financial resources we needed to stay alive in the first year of business which is so tough. I am very thankful.”
Huff worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in developing his application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Wise County Industrial Development Authority.
“Mountain Empire’s SBDC enjoyed working with Larry as he brought his love and expertise in BBQ back home to Southwest Virginia,” said Becki O’Quinn-Purdie, SBDC director at MECC. “A frequent supporter of local fundraising events, Huff Daddy BBQ provides the community of Big Stone Gap with the welcomed addition of a fast, convenient and great food option for lunch and dinner. Locals and visitors alike enjoy Huff Daddy’s authentic Texas-style BBQ served up with a little salt, pepper and a whole lot of love.”
Located at 10 East 5th Street S. in Big Stone Gap, Huff Daddy BBQ is open Tuesday through Thursday from 12 noon to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 12 noon to 8 p.m. The business, which may be found on Facebook, is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.
About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.