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Meet Will Ilyas of Will’s Barbeque in The Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Will Ilyas.

Will, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started cooking early on, I’d say. I’ve always had a fascination with fire. My dad cooks, I suppose that’s where I get it from. I was never formally taught how to cook. It made sense to me, protein, fire, heat management & time. I started providing a few gym friends of mine with meal preps. I was highly dissatisfied with the lack of quality from meal prep companies. I wanted to change that by offering quality sourced meat & food that had taste, but still met your nutrition goals. I later moved on to public events/pop ups which led to catering jobs. The type of BBQ I serve is called Santa Maria BBQ, from Central California. This is California’s native style of BBQ which not many people know about. I am currently working on my line of seasoning which is out for pre order now but will be officially up for retail soon.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I haven’t run through any issues. Besides the learning curve of running a business, it’s been a smooth road, no complaints.

We’d love to hear more about the business.
I am known from serving Santa Maria style BBQ, which is California’s style of BBQ. I specialize in steaks, ribs & seafood. I am most proud of the fact that I am native to California & I am serving California style BBQ, an art that not many people I feel know of. I believe the fact that I serve Santa Maria style BBQ sets me a part from many others. I love all styles of BBQ from every region of our country but let’s be real, everybody wants to emulate Texas style BBQ, which is fine & I love it, but I’m from California & this is how we do it here.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Be genuine & be relentless!

Contact Info:

  • Phone: 7474009516
  • Email: Willilyas@gmail.com
  • Instagram: @Wills_BBQ

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