We had the good fortune of connecting with Darius Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darius, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have had a love for barbecuing since I was 12 years old. My parents allowed me to play in the kitchen and on the grill very young and it cultivated a passion for cooking and serving others. My peers and loved ones always encouraged me to start up a catering business. So, When I moved to Dallas at the end of 2021, I decided to peruse it on a more serious level. I wanted to bring that famous Kansas City style bbq and soul food to the DFW area.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What separates me from most BBQ places is that I merge southerner soul food classics with KC style BBQ. Costumers receive both a cookout and home style experience in one sitting. I personally feel that smoked ribs go great with Sweet potatoes, Collard greens and Baked Mac and cheese. Keep the coleslaw, please.

I am most excited to grow my brand in the DFW area so I am able to contribute to bettering the community. When I graduated from Wiley College, a HBCU in east Texas, with my degree in public relations, I was nervous. I knew the job market was extremely competitive and getting into that field and practicing PR would be hard at entry level. Starting my own business allowed me to practice both passions, I am my own PR agent while also doing what I love to do which is cooking. I want the world to know that my story is no different from most. It took a lot of hard work and restless nights to get from Kansas City to Dallas. I was a kid who thought my only way to success would be some sort of “fame”. I’ve learned through this journey that success is what you make it, being genuinely happy by doing what you love is the greatest success. This is only the beginning of “Blue Rays BBQ and Catering”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to Turkey Leg paradise or Turkey D.A.M. Even though I’m still new to the are myself I love the brunch spots and Sunday Sunday spots, I also enjoy the art museum In downtown Dallas.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my parents for always encouraging me and allowing me to explore different passions and dreams of mine. Shout out to my close friends, Wiley College Alums, my Fraternity Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma and Sisters of Zeta Phi Beta, for constantly supporting my business and uplifting me as a person.

Website: Blueraysbbq@gmail.com

Instagram: Blue_Raysbbq

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