Urban Smokehouse
About the Company
Urban Smokehouse is the world's first digitally native BBQ brand, founded by Andrew Buehler. The company specializes in delivering high-quality, pre-cooked barbecue products that are vacuum-sealed and shipped nationwide. Their primary product, pre-cooked and sauced pork baby back ribs, is designed to offer the flavor and texture of traditional BBQ with the convenience of a quick home preparation. Urban Smokehouse leverages eCommerce and a focus on customer convenience to stand out in the market, with future plans to expand their product offerings and flavors.
Idea Behind Company
The idea for Urban Smokehouse emerged during the COVID-19 lockdown, driven by Andrew Buehler’s realization of the growing trend in eCommerce and online grocery delivery. As people became more accustomed to receiving perishables by mail, Buehler identified an opportunity to offer a high-quality BBQ product that could be enjoyed with minimal effort. With a background steeped in food culture and experience in financial services, Buehler decided to combine his passions and skills to address the inconvenience of traditional BBQ cooking, leading to the creation of Urban Smokehouse.
Creating the Company
Designing Urban Smokehouse involved several key steps: developing a high-quality product, establishing an efficient fulfillment system, and creating compelling digital assets. Buehler collaborated with industry experts, including his father and experienced partners, to ensure product quality and scalability. The development phase spanned from March to July 2022, focusing on product design, production, and packaging. Buehler utilized cost-effective resources and his network to create a logo, packaging, and website, aiming for a functional yet impressive launch.
Launching the Business
Urban Smokehouse launched through a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, surpassing its $25,000 goal within 24 hours and raising over $30,000 in pre-orders. This approach allowed the company to secure capital for inventory and minimize upfront investment risks. Buehler prepared for the launch by gathering email contacts, leveraging social media, and creating a promotional video. The Kickstarter campaign provided early capital and generated buzz, enabling a swift and successful product delivery to backers, setting a positive precedent for future business operations.
Earnings
Since its launch, Urban Smokehouse has been profitable and continues to grow. The company’s revenue primarily comes from online sales and in-person pop-up events, generating around $5,000 monthly. While initial marketing was minimal, Buehler is now investing in digital marketing to increase traffic and sales. The company plans to optimize shipping costs and expand its product line and customer base. Short-term goals include improving digital marketing efficiency and building a network of business clients, with long-term ambitions of becoming a leading D2C BBQ provider and expanding nationwide.
