In its continued commitment to giving back to its community, Baton Rouge-based BBQGuys encouraged all employees to volunteer with 40 hours of Volunteer Time Off (VTO) for 2021. However, when COVID-19 hotspot conditions in Louisiana dried up safe opportunities to lend our help, that meant working harder to foster the right charitable partnerships. That’s why, once healthier conditions returned, BBQGuys collaborated to build new housing with Habitat for Humanity — a nonprofit organization that provides homes for those struggling with housing.

Barbecues are all about food, shelter, and a sense of belonging, ideas near to our hearts that also serve as the guiding principles for our sustainability strategy. Our home state of Louisiana remains one of the most poverty-stricken in America; according to the Louisiana Budget Project, 1 in every 4 Louisiana children live below the federal poverty rate established in 2019, while 19% of the state’s seniors faced the threat of hunger. Through group volunteer efforts, employee food drives, and other charitable missions, we passionately strive to help others lacking the bare essentials.

“We’re thrilled to support our local community and work with Habitat for Humanity,” says BBQGuys CEO Russ Wheeler, who worked shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow staff and the organization. “Working with families as they are building their future homes, and seeing their excitement and sense of ownership, just isn’t a feeling you forget.” Employees from all levels combined talents for a Habitat for Humanity home: cutting siding, nailing siding, hanging soffits, caulking trim, and helping to establish one more safe home for those in need.

"It was such an honor to collaborate with the team at Habitat for Humanity,” Chief Legal Officer Erin Ryan says of the experience; she painted walls alongside members of the BBQGuys Web Development team. “It was inspiring to see their energy and commitment to the program — and to building high-quality homes! I'm so humbled by the work they do, day-in and day-out to improve housing for the families of Baton Rouge. The BBQGuys family is grateful for their partnership!"

To learn more about BBQGuys Corporate Social Responsibility mission, visit our community outreach page.