Today we’d like to introduce you to Antoine Taylor.
Antoine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Antoine “Twon” Taylor, born and raised in Memphis, TN – 38109. I started Silverback BBQ & Catering back in 2021, but the passion for this game runs deeper. I learned how to cook from my mama, who held it down in the kitchen and passed down more than recipes — she passed down heart, hustle, and soul. She passed away on February 14, 2025, and since then, everything I do in this BBQ world is in her honor. At first, it was just about feeding the neighborhood – family, friends, folks who knew good food when they tasted it. But once people started lining up, I knew I had something real. In 2023, I got serious, locked in, and turned Silverback into a full-on grind while driving trucks full time..
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — and I wouldn’t expect it to be.
Starting out, I was doing everything on my own: prepping, cooking, selling, promoting. No team, just grind. There were weekends I barely sold anything, times I questioned if it was even worth it. Losing my mama in early 2025 was the hardest hit — she was my inspiration and the reason I started cooking in the first place.
There were also the usual small business struggles — budgeting, keeping inventory stocked, trying to grow without overextending. But every setback just pushed me to go harder. I didn’t come from money or connections — just passion. That’s what built Silverback BBQ, and that’s what keeps it moving.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I drive trucks full time and I run Silverback BBQ & Catering, and what I do is simple: I serve real passionate food, real flavor, and no shortcuts.
I specialize in smoked meats — ribs, rib tips, turkey breast, pulled pork & lamb paired with Southern sides that hit like home. What I’m known for is that backyard-style BBQ with competition-level quality. Folks come back because they can taste the love and the passion in every plate.
What I’m most proud of is building this from scratch — no handouts, just hustle. I’ve fed families, catered events, and done it all staying true to my roots and honoring my mothers legacy.
What’s next?
I’ve got big plans for Silverback BBQ & Catering — and I’m just getting started.
My main goal right now is to secure a food truck so I can expand beyond weekend pop-ups and serve more people across Memphis and beyond. That’ll give me the flexibility to hit more events, cater larger gigs, and pull up wherever the demand is.
I’m also working on tightening up the brand, building out more of an online presence, and eventually opening a small brick-and-mortar spot or land to be at permanently. But no matter how big this gets, the focus stays the same: stay authentic, keep the flavor consistent, and never lose that backyard passion that started it all.
I’m looking forward to growing — but doing it my way, on my terms, and still feeding the people like family.
Pricing:
- Spare ribs $16-$26
- Rib tips $12-$22
- Smoked turkey $18
- Lamb $35-$50
- Pull pork $10-$15
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.silverback-bbq.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverbackbbq901_?igsh=MXM5ZHdyaGU3aWZyeQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BuWptGnb6/?mibextid=wwXIfr
