[Atlanta Entrepreneur] “I Season Like Your Grandma Did”—Why Nick Kemp Went All-In on Soul Food and Self-Belief

Send us Fan MailCut The Tie Podcast with Nick KempWhat happens when the dream you buried in college won’t stay buried? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Nick Kemp, a former educator who walked away from a 20-year career to go full-time with Grillgasms BBQ—a soul food, smoke-driven brand based in Atlanta.From smoked brisket to shrimp and grits, Nick delivers more than just flavor. He’s building a business on love, legacy, and belief in yourself—on your own terms.About Nick Kemp:Nick Kemp is the founder and pitmaster behind Grillgasms BBQ, a food brand specializing in soulful, seasoned, smoked meats and scratch-made sides. Formerly in education, Nick turned his side hustle into a full-time business after a health scare forced him to reevaluate his priorities. Through Grillgasms, he’s not just feeding people—he’s creating a feel-good experience steeped in love and nostalgia.In this episode, Thomas and Nick discuss:Cutting ties with a safe career—by necessityNick opens up about the health scare that pushed him to walk away from a long career in education and finally go all-in on his food business.Turning repeat customers into a full-time callingHe shares how side hustling with smoked turkeys and brisket turned into consistent demand—and gave him the confidence to bet on himself.Scaling flavor without the brick-and-mortar trapNick explains why he’s resisting the restaurant model and leaning into mobile catering, events, and smart scalability to stay flexible and profitable.Cooking with soul—and intentionFrom his signature seasoning to the way he plates food, Nick talks about cooking like family is coming over—and why love is the real secret ingredient.Building legacy by leading at homeNick’s kids aren’t just watching—they’re participating. From lemonade stands to business lessons, he’s passing down the entrepreneurial mindset early.Key Takeaways:Your dream doesn’t expire—just delayNick buried his passion for cooking in college. Two decades later, he dug it back up and made it work on his terms.Stress you choose beats stress you're handedLeaving his 9–5 wasn't easy, but it gave him back his health, freedom, and ownership of time.Love is the real secret ingredientHis food isn't just seasoned—it’s intentional. Cooking with heart creates a feeling no spice mix can replicate.You don’t need a restaurant to build an empireNick’s keeping it mobile, scalable, and lean—proving that great food doesn’t need a fixed location.Entrepreneurship is legacy workBy involving his kids early, Nick’s building more than a business—he’s building a mindset that lasts generations.Connect with Nick Kemp:🌐 Website: www.grillgasms.com📸 Instagram: @grillgasms📧 Email: [email protected] with Thomas Helfrich:🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich📘 Facebook: Cut the Tie Group💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com📧 Email: [email protected]🚀 www.InstantlyRelevant.comSupport the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie