From GE to Bobby's Barbecue | Episode 77 with Tay Nelson

Tay Nelson, owner of Bobby's Barbecue in Fountain Inn, joins Sunday Afternoon Smokes for a conversation about barbecue, entrepreneurship, faith, and the long road to building something that lasts. What begins with cigars and the process of creating Tay's own premium cigar brand, Octavius Reserve, quickly expands into the story of how a career at GE unexpectedly led to barbecue, catering, seasoning blends, and eventually one of the Upstate's most respected barbecue restaurants. Chris and Tay discuss learning through failure, the value of mentors, why excellence matters more than shortcuts, and how consistency has shaped Bobby's Barbecue from its earliest days. Tay shares stories of working alongside some of the country's most respected pitmasters, the lessons he learned from Aaron Franklin, Rodney Scott, and others, and why mastering the craft requires patience, humility, and relentless curiosity. The conversation also explores leadership, raising a family, building a business with integrity, the role of faith during difficult seasons, and the importance of slowing down to enjoy life—whether around a barbecue pit or over a good cigar. This is a conversation about craftsmanship, perseverance, entrepreneurship, faith, barbecue, cigars, and building a life with purpose. Bobby's BBQ: https://www.eatbobbys.com/ https://www.instagram.com/eatbobbys/ Tay Nelson: https://www.instagram.com/tay_nelson__/ Sunday Afternoon Smokes: https://sundayafternoonsmokes.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/