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Hidden Gems: Meet Melvin Davis of CueGuard Smokehouse

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melvin Davis

Hi Melvin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started cooking around the age of 10. I helped my mom prepare thanksgiving dinner one year, and I fell in love with the craft of cooking. After high school, I attended and graduated from L’Ecole Culinaire in Memphis, TN in 2014, where I learned how to prepare dishes, knife skills, and presentation etc. After working in various restaurants I quickly learned that I wanted to manage my own kitchen and that BBQ was my passion. I took pride in learning all that I could about BBQ and honed in on my skills, which created The CueGuard Smokehouse in 2019. I started by selling turkey legs from my home, and had so many supporters that it inspired me to build out a food truck. In 2022, we launched The CueGuard Smokehouse food truck.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has not been easy. We lost thousands of dollars in the process of building the food truck, due to lack of knowledge and resources. I was also working a full time job and trying to operate a food truck, so time management was very difficult.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about CueGuard Smokehouse?
CueGuard Smokehouse is a beloved BBQ food truck serving up mouthwatering, smoked-to-perfection dishes. Specializing in tender smoked turkey legs, juicy rib tips, and a variety of other BBQ favorites, every meal is a testament to the art of slow smoking and bold flavors.

My love for the rich, smoky flavors and the artistry of BBQ makes every dish at The CueGuard Smokehouse truly special.

Whether you’re a lifelong Memphis local or a first-time visitor, The CueGuard Smokehouse invites you to indulge in a BBQ experience unlike any other. Come for the turkey legs, stay for the soul-satisfying flavors that have made this food truck a local favorite.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My biggest risk was quitting my job and going full time with my food truck to build my dream. It took a lot of years for the transition to happen, but I don’t regret taking that leap of faith.

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