What happens when three friends from Alabama bring Southern grit, barbecue, and a whole lot of hustle to the mountains of Colorado? You get Moe’s Original BBQ — a community-driven restaurant that’s grown from a Vail Valley train station into more than 50 locations across the country. In this episode of American Operator, JC sits down with founders Mike, Jeff, and Ben to unpack the story behind their legendary brand. From bootstrapping in -20 degree weather and using secondhand equipment, to making napkin-deals that shaped their national expansion, the Moe’s crew has built their business the only way they know how: hard work, humility, and a love of people.

They share lessons on:

• Listening to customers and letting the market guide your menu

• Vetting partners by working and playing side by side

• The realities of 16-hour days in hospitality

• Why employees are both the biggest challenge and greatest reward

• How faith, family, and community anchor them through it all

This is more than a story about barbecue. It’s about grit, generosity, and the relentless pursuit of doing things the right way — fresh food, fair prices, and strong neighborhoods.