Summary
In this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell sits down with Ravi Dadi, Co-Founder of Beach BBQ, which has proven to be a vibrant addition to Bentonville’s culinary scene and is known for its fresh, innovative approach to barbecue. With a rich background in his prior role in information technology at Walmart, Ravi brings a unique blend of corporate savvy and entrepreneurial spirit to the table, where he and his team are transforming the traditional BBQ experience with flavors that surprise and delight. Throughout the episode, Ravi shares how Beach BBQ’s carefully crafted menu amplifies the customer experience and how the Greater Bentonville Area has bolstered Beach BBQ by enthusiastically welcoming the restaurant to its award-winning culinary landscape.
Thanks for tuning in!
Show Notes
Timestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.
(0:51) Introduction to Ravi Dadi
(3:38) Transitioning from the Corporate Information Technology to the Restaurant Industry
(5:29) Creating the Beach BBQ Experience
(6:56) About Beach BBQ’s Ambience and Menu
(9:53) Bentonville’s Impact on the Development of Beach BBQ
(12:22) How the Community Has Helped Grow Beach BBQ
(14:30) The Future Vision for Beach BBQ
(17:19) Advice to Individuals Switching Industries
(22:23) Closing Question
Links
Bentonville Economic Development
Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce
Quotes
“We have to make sure, no matter whether it’s vegetarian or nonvegetarian, we have to create the same ambience for the customer when somebody walks into Beach BBQ. Because they should not be worried that they’re vegan and won’t be getting any options. We want to make sure that even the vegetarians that come will be getting better options than the nonvegetarians.” – Ravi Dadi, (9:34)
“[Bentonville’s] a great community to do business in Northwest Arkansas because we have seen the customers coming and they are appreciating the local businesses and they are passing the message to their friends and families.” – Ravi Dadi, (10:09)
“Greater Bentonville is helping us a lot. Also, Ledger…we have gotten a lot of customers from there…and even the biking community. We have been invited to do the catering for biking when big events happen. Even the school.” – Ravi Dadi, (12:33)
“Northwest Arkansas is one of the best places. If I had to go back and say wherever I want to do business, I would say Northwest Arkansas should be the first place to do business. The way the community is helping the newcomers and getting [Beach BBQ] connected…that’s one of the best parts of Northwest Arkansas. I don’t think we can see this in the bigger towns” – Ravi Dadi, (13:10)
A Fresh Twist on Barbecue with Ravi Dadi of Beach BBQ
In this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell sits down with Ravi Dadi, Co-Founder of Beach BBQ, which has proven to be a vibrant addition to Bentonville’s culinary scene and is known for its fresh, innovative approach to barbecue. With a rich background in his prior role in information technology at Walmart, Ravi brings a unique blend of corporate savvy and entrepreneurial spirit to the table, where he and his team are transforming the traditional BBQ experience with flavors that surprise and delight. Throughout the episode, Ravi shares how Beach BBQ’s carefully crafted menu amplifies the customer experience and how the Greater Bentonville Area has bolstered Beach BBQ by enthusiastically welcoming the restaurant to its award-winning culinary landscape.
Crafting Beach BBQ’s Unique Menu
Ravi cited his inspiration from Sam Walton’s story as a key reason he became interested in making the jump from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. Ravi eventually met James Beach, who introduced him to the delicious world of smoked meat, and they realized there was an opportunity to create a barbeque joint focused on a unique fusion barbecue and unexpected flavors from many different places.
“Northwest Arkansas is one of the best places. If I had to go back and say wherever I want to do business, I would say Northwest Arkansas should be the first place to do business. The way the community is helping the newcomers and getting [Beach BBQ] connected…that’s one of the best parts of Northwest Arkansas. I don’t think we can see this in the bigger towns.” – Ravi Dadi, (13:10)
In addition to traditional smoked meats, including ribs, pulled pork and sausage, there is an abundance of unique dishes on Beach BBQ’s menu, including flavorful vegan options. And in addition to traditional sides of baked beans or macaroni and cheese, diners can enjoy interesting sides like German potato salad and kimchi salad, the latter of which is a coleslaw with a Japanese twist.
Beach BBQ’s offering of vegan options is certainly an anomaly in the barbecue world, and they bring smoked flavors to dishes like portabella mushroom sandwiches that delight customers of all palettes. Ravi and the team at Beach BBQ believe no matter a customer’s culinary preferences or dietary restrictions, they should be fully included in the dining experience.
“We have to make sure, no matter whether it’s vegetarian or nonvegetarian, we have to create the same ambience for the customer when somebody walks into Beach BBQ. Because they should not be worried that they’re vegan and won’t be getting any options. We want to make sure that even the vegetarians that come will be getting better options than the nonvegetarians.” – Ravi Dadi, (9:34)
Welcoming Beach BBQ into the Community
This month marks Beach BBQ’s one-year anniversary, and Ravi credits a large part of the restaurant’s success to the accepting, welcoming and helpful culture of the people in Greater Bentonville and the Northwest Arkansas region. As a testament to the community’s willingness to help new businesses, Beach BBQ has not had to spend money on advertising, but has successfully grown by word of mouth.
“[Bentonville’s] a great community to do business in Northwest Arkansas because we have seen the customers coming and they are appreciating the local businesses and they are passing the message to their friends and families.” – Ravi Dadi, (10:09)
Get Connected!
Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Bentonville Beacon! Join us weekly for more stories and advice from the entrepreneurs, business executives and community leaders who are sparking the rise of the Greater Bentonville Area. If you are interested in discussing whether your business should have a presence in Greater Bentonville or would like to discuss this podcast, please contact James Bell. You may reach James at jbell@greaterbentonville.com or (479) 273-2841.
Links for Additional Mentions
