OCALA, FL (352today.com) – If you’ve been lucky enough to experience Stagecoach Music Festival with a plate of smoked perfection in hand, there’s a good chance it came from Rashad Jones, the pitmaster behind Big Lee’s and his “Cue Crew.”
We caught up with Rashad backstage at Guy’s Smokehouse to talk smoked meats, music memories, and what it means to bring Florida flavor to California’s biggest country party.
A Pitmaster’s Big Break
“It all started in December 2022,” Rashad told us. “Guy texted me late one Friday and asked what I was doing the next day. He came to Ocala, brought a few friends, including Lee Majors, and tried our barbecue. After walking through our smoke yard, he asked if I’d ever heard of Stagecoach, then said, ‘Do you want to go?’” By Monday, Rashad was officially in.
Guy followed up with a second question: Had Rashad ever been on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives? “I laughed and said, ‘Come on, man, you know I haven’t!’” Rashad recalled. “He made another quick call and said, ‘Done.’ He’d be back next month to shoot the episode.”
A Seat at the Smokehouse
Being part of Guy’s Smokehouse is more than just a gig for Rashad. “It’s one of the biggest barbecue events in the world,” he said. “To be one of just three people Guy chose for this is a huge honor. I respect him so much, not just for what he’s done for small restaurants, but for who he is off camera.”
Back to the Beginning
Rashad’s roots in barbecue run deep in Ocala. A 1996 Lake Weir High grad, he launched Big Lee’s with wife Patrice out of a trailer in 2014. After winning Guy’s Big Project on Food Network in 2017, the crowds started lining up. “We had 30, 40, even 50 people waiting before we opened. People traveled from everywhere.”
He credits faith, consistency, and loyal customers. “God’s given each of us a purpose, and when you walk in that, He shines a light on it so the world can see.”
Influence and Inspiration
Jones calls Fieri his “big bro” and says his mentorship has changed his life. “Watching how Guy handles people with grace, patience, and humility has influenced how I lead, cook, and live.”
Favorite Stagecoach Memory?
“Seeing the look on my team’s faces when I tell them we’re going,” Rashad said. “For many of them, it’s their first time out of Florida. It’s life-changing.”
What’s next?
“More barbecue in more places,” Rashad said. “And staying faithful with all that the good Lord has entrusted to us.”
From Easy Street to the West Coast, Big Lee’s keeps making waves – one smoked rib at a time.