Hidden Gems: Meet Jessica of San Diego Grill Pros

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica.

Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
We were just two kids with a dream, a whole lot of grit, and absolutely no fear. After more than 15 years working at Barbeques Galore, my husband found himself suddenly laid off—a moment that could have broken us, but instead became our turning point.

Standing there with nothing but experience, passion, and a crazy belief that we could build something of our own, we decided to take the leap. With no roadmap, no investors, and no guarantees, we opened the doors to San Diego Grill Pros—a small idea that quickly became our life’s work.

What started as two young, determined kids betting on themselves has grown into North County’s trusted home for American-made grills, outdoor kitchens, and backyard inspiration. And every day, we’re still fueled by that same fire that started it all.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a business that young came with challenges most people never see. Banks didn’t take us seriously. Our credit wasn’t strong enough for big loans. We didn’t have generational wealth or a safety net to fall back on. So we did what we had to do—we put everything on credit cards, worked every hour we could, and built San Diego Grill Pros piece by piece, sale by sale, late night after late night.

There were moments when the risk felt overwhelming, when we weren’t sure if we’d make it to the next month. But our belief in what we were building—and in each other—kept us going.

And that gamble? It paid off.

Today, San Diego Grill Pros stands as a testament to hard work, resilience, and two young kids who refused to take “no” for an answer. Our store isn’t just a business—it’s our story, our struggle, and our reminder that with heart and hustle, anything is possible.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
San Diego Grill Pros is North County San Diego’s premier barbecue retail showroom and outdoor-kitchen specialist. Family-owned and operated, we bring over 15 years of industry experience to the community, offering top-tier American-made grills, smokers, accessories, and fully custom outdoor-kitchen designs.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Before our doors ever opened, we were taking risks most people would never dare to take. With no business loans, no savings, and no financial safety net, we put thousands of dollars on credit cards just to bring San Diego Grill Pros to life. Every grill, every tool, every piece of inventory was a gamble we placed on ourselves. We were maxing out cards before we ever made a single sale, trusting that our hard work, our vision, and our belief in this community would somehow pay off. It wasn’t glamorous—it was terrifying. But those risks, stacked on top of sleepless nights and sheer determination, became the foundation of the business we have today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Sdgrillpros.com
• Instagram: @sd_grill_pros

Image Credits
Raphael mitchell