Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Watson.
Hi Amy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Clinton and myself have been doing popups in and around the Nashville area since 2020. We both have a strong background in the restaurant industry. Myself in the front of house and beverage realm, and Clinton as a chef. Saap Saap BBQ was born out of all of these experiences and it combines both our cooking styles and weaves in our own families’ recipes as well.
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?
Popups are difficult! It’s not just cooking and serving the food. We load up our equipment (typically two truck loads), set up for our event all before guests arrive and we can begin service. Once “sell out” happens or the event ends, we still have to break down, load up, and get everything cleaned up and organized again. It’s just us. Two people cooking, setting up, cleaning, and running our social medias to build buzz and to get our name out there. We have help along the way, of course, and connections that have gotten us where we are currently and so many people who we have called upon and filled our “favors”. Ultimately, we carry the majority of our work for this popup. We both still work other jobs too, to make ends meet. Eat at more popups!!! The people behind this unique world are some of the most capable and strong individuals in the restaurant industry. Everything is on the line, in so many ways.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Saap Saap BBQ focuses on Southern BBQ and Lao Food. It’s less of a fusion and more of a combination. When you eat our food you can go the more Southern route with mac n cheese, collard greens, and cornbread or choose more Lao flavors with the sticky rice, papaya salad, and jaews. The beauty of our food though, is you get to choose both. Lao and Southern culture collide around the shared idea of coming together at the table and enjoying a plethora of food. A spread of different dishes all to be enjoyed how you like it around all your family and friends. It’s meant to break barriers and bring people together. We are so proud of our food and the way it connects us to both our families. It’s truly an homage to them and the sacrifices our families have made for us to be here. Representing our culture through food, there’s nothing more important.
How do you define success?
Never giving up. The continual push, especially when things get difficult.
Pricing:
- 18-35 Mains
- 5-10 Sides
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @saapsaapbbq
