Host: Cristan Engelke
Guest: Darnel Alexander
VIDEO
DESCRIPTION
The secret isn’t just in the sauce—it’s in the smoke.
In this episode of the Southaven Business Beat, host Cristan Engelke sits down with Darnel Alexander, the Marketing and Catering Director for Tops Barbecue. With a history dating back to 1952, Tops is a Memphis-area staple that has mastered the art of staying “low and slow” while scaling to 25 locations across three states.
Darnel pulls back the curtain on how a 74-year-old brand maintains its “vibe” across different demographics—from the military community in Millington to the medical professionals on Union Avenue. Whether you’re interested in the logistics of a 28-foot food truck or the core principles of “servant leadership” in a high-pressure kitchen, this episode is packed with flavor and wisdom.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
•The “Number 3” Mystery: Why the original owners refused to have a “Store #1” or “#2”.
•Smelling the Flavor: The specific use of green hickory and why you can smell Tops from a mile away.
•The $0 to 600 Strategy: How Darnel grew the catering department from the ground up since joining in 2019.
•Innovation on Wheels: The launch of their massive new food truck and the introduction of “Cheeseburger Quesadillas”.
•The Power of the Chamber: A real-world testimony of how one “Lunch and Learn” led to a life-changing career move.
Key Takeaways for Business Owners:
•Consistency is King: Why Tops still uses the same original rubs and sauces rather than buying from a supplier.
•Lead by Example: Darnel’s philosophy on creating a team that wants to be at work at 8:00 AM.
•Drive-Thru Friendly Innovation: Why your menu must match your customer’s environment (and why waffles don’t work in a car!).
Connect with Southaven Business Beat:
Subscribe for more insights from local business leaders.
Support Our Sponsors:
Master Check
When the truth matters, you cannot afford guesswork. Since the early 1970s, this veteran-owned firm has provided verified facts for Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. From background checks to cyber cases, get the facts that stand up in court.
Visit: www.masterchek.com
Pure Focus Media
The creative team behind this podcast! Pure Focus Media is on a mission to make high-quality video and content creation accessible to businesses of all sizes. From strategy to production, they help you attract more leads through the power of video.
Schedule your strategy call: PureFocus.media
Wisdom Integrators
Bridge the gap between your vision and execution. Wisdom Integrators designs tailored solutions for workflow automation and digital transformation, helping you work smarter, not harder.
Book a consultation: WisdomIntegrators.com
Connect with the Guest:
Tops Barbecue: https://topsbarbq.com/
Email: [email protected]
Don’t forget to go to our YouTube channel and SUBSCRIBE and click the bell to stay updated on the Mid-South business community!
YOUTUBE URL
