In early 2010, Todd Barker and Chris Sides, the founding members of Senior Solutions Management Group, a management company of Independent, Assisted Living, and Memory Care services, were looking for a different approach to marketing. With both partners coming from a hospitality background and the firm belief that good BBQ was something that appealed to the masses, the BBQ Doctor was born. Each of their Senior Living communities host the BBQ Doctors, who graciously travel between all 7 of their communities, pulling their pit, and preparing BBQ meals for our residents, families, employees, and the community. As a result they are constantly bombarded with catering requests to serve at functions including the Alzheimer’s Association, Habitat for Humanity projects, Community Food Drives, Physician Dinner’s, Senior Expo’s, Senior Center events, and State events in Georgia and Tennessee.
This week the BBQ Doctor was recognized and honored at the recent Leadership Loudon Graduation event for their contribution in fundraising efforts for the class project. The BBQ Doctor contributed “Doc in the Box” BBQ Meals for employers within Loudon County at a cost of $5.00 per box. The box included 6 oz. of Pulled BBQ Pork, Sauce, Bun, Coleslaw, Pickles, Chips, Cookies, and bottled Water. These meals were prepared and delivered to the employers throughout Loudon County for distribution. 100% of the profits went to the Leadership Class of Loudon for their community project to develop a Teen Room for the local Boys and Girls Club in Loudon, TN. “When we heard of this opportunity to help with this project, we were all in. Our focus this year has been to help families bridge the gap between youth and seniors. It allows the legacy to continue when seniors play an influential part of a youth’s life. Whether they are sharing stories, assisting in education, or just learning about life experiences and history, it’s important”, states Chris Sides. With the fundraising efforts of The BBQ Doctor and other local business’ the Leadership class was able to present a check to the Boys and Girls Club for over $1000.00 and pay for the construction of a teen room which includes study areas, TV’s for Gaming and entertainment, and a Gift Shop area where items could be sold within the Club with 50% of the profits going to a local Community Project within the county and the remaining 50% being contributed back into the Boys and Girls Club. Bridging the gap between our seniors and youth; we involved our residents in preparing the boxes and the students that particpate in the program at the Boys and Girls Club have partnered for continued visiting opportunities. “We would have never imagined when we first developed this concept, that our love of BBQ and our love of Seniors would together have become such a rewarding success,” states Todd Barker.
Leadership Loudon Class and Teens at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Teen Room at The Boys and Girls Club of Lenoir City.
Please allow us to share one of our fan favorite recipes and the BBQ Doctor’s recipe of the week:
Feel like doing some holiday baking? Try an award winning recipe and a fan favorite of residents, employees, and families at Antebellum Grove – Carrot Cake – the BBQ Doctor’s recipe of the week. Submitted by Michelle Mayes, Dietary Director for Emma Owens – Antebellum Grove – Warner Robins, Georgia.
Carrot Cake
6 eggs
3 cups of sugar
1 tsp. Baking Soda
3 cups Plain Flour
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
2 cups of vegetable oil
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
Pecan Pieces
Mix ingredients together and bake in a greased cake pan at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Frosting
1 pkg. Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1 stick margarine
1 1/2 box confection sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
Whip ingredients together and spread over cake. Top with additional pecan pieces if desired.
Let us know what your family thinks…we promise they will not be disappointed! Enjoy!