Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Clark.
Hi Ray, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Fatguy’s Story: From Truck Stop to Tennessee’s Heart
Ray Clark’s barbecue journey began decades ago at a small truck stop in lower Alabama. Hungry and looking for a meal, Ray asked the owner, Miss Apple Lee, if she’d give him something to eat. Her answer was simple: “You can earn it.” From that day forward, Ray worked in her kitchen, learning the craft of barbecue and Southern comfort food the old-fashioned way—through patience, discipline, and heart. Miss Lee’s truck stop became his classroom, and her lessons about hard work and hospitality stuck with him for life
After serving in the U.S. Army, Ray spent more than two decades working in management at Old Time Pottery. His job took him across the country, and wherever he went, he sought out mom-and-pop diners and roadside joints…the kind of places where the smoke clings to your clothes and every meal tells a story. Those experiences deepened his appreciation for authentic, homegrown cooking and inspired his own approach to barbecue: keep it simple, do it right, and make it with love.
Ray eventually started competing in barbecue contests, earning recognition for his ribs, brisket, and signature smoked beans. Encouraged by the success, he took his skills on the road with a food truck, feeding folks all across Middle Tennessee. The demand grew, and in 2019, he decided it was time to put down roots—at least for a while. That led to Fatguy Barbecue, a small operation inside a Kwik Sak gas station in Murfreesboro.
The setup might have seemed unconventional, but from the moment customers stepped through the door, they knew it wasn’t just another stop for gas and snacks. The air was thick with hickory smoke, laughter, and the smell of low-and-slow-cooked brisket, ribs, and sausage. Locals called it a hidden gem and said it felt like “Cheers, but with barbecue.” People didn’t just come to eat; they came to connect.
After building a loyal following and making his mark in Murfreesboro, Ray decided it was time for the next chapter. He closed the gas station barbecue joint and turned his sights on a home turned restaurant in Lascassas, Tennessee.
In November 2022, he opened Fatguy Southern Kitchen, a true home for his award-winning barbecue and Southern classics. From the moment you pull up, the smell of smoked meat and the sound of laughter make it clear this is more than a restaurant. It’s a place where folks gather around plates piled high with brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and southern sides like smoked beans, turnip greens, taters, and cornbread.
Today, Fatguy Southern Kitchen carries forward everything Ray learned along the way. From Miss Apple Lee’s truck stop lessons to the gas station counter that helped him build a community, Fatguy Southern Kitchen is a place grounded in hard work, kindness, and good food served with heart. As Ray says, “Come in as a customer, leave as a friend.”
Alright, 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 can’t think of a single small business that doesn’t face challenges. For us, staffing is one of the biggest. We employ a lot of students, and they’re fantastic…hardworking, upbeat, and full of energy. At the same time, their school and extracurricular commitments can make scheduling a constant juggling act. But we believe in supporting their activities, whether it’s baseball, the band, or studying for finals, because that’s what being part of a this community is all about.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t about how fast you grow, it’s about how well you serve. From the truck stop where I first learned to cook to the gas station counter and now Fatguy Southern Kitchen, one thing’s stayed the same — people matter most. Take care of folks, treat them right, and the rest will follow. It’s not just about great food…it’s about kindness, consistency, and community. It’s about the golden rule…treat people the way you want to be treated. We treat folks like family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fatguysouthernkitchen.com
- Instagram: @fatguysouthernkitchen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fatguysouthernkitchen/
