Southern Luv BBQ Wraps an Energizing Weekend at the Tampa Franchise Show, and the Conversation Is Just Getting Started

Chef Essi Tadrus and his Pit Crew connected with operators and prospective franchisees over BBQ sliders and scratch-made chips, and visitors loved the simple operation, the smart design, and the famous pig car.

TAMPA, FL // FranchisePressReleases.com // — October 22, 2026 — What a weekend! Southern Luv BBQ is still smiling after an outstanding Tampa Franchise Show, where Booth 616 was filled with great barbecue, great conversations, and plenty of new friends.

Chef Essi Tadrus, Founder and CEO of Southern Luv BBQ, joined his Pit Crew at The National Franchise Show – Tampa on October 17–18. Together they welcomed operators, entrepreneurs, veterans, and prospective franchisees to the booth for samples of Southern Luv BBQ’s BBQ sliders and scratch-made chips.

The response was just what the team had hoped for: lots of smiles, plenty of seconds, and a steady stream of questions about what it takes to own a Southern Luv BBQ.

Booth 616 Was the Place to Be

Attendees came for the food and stayed for the conversation. As they enjoyed the sliders and chips, visitors learned about the concept and what makes it stand out in the franchise world.

Three things came up again and again:

• The concept. Visitors loved the fast-casual, authentic Southern barbecue concept built around pecan-wood-smoked meats and scratch-made favorites.
• The simple operation. Prospective owners appreciated how straightforward the Southern Luv BBQ model is to run.
• The smart design. The hoodless, ventless BBQ kitchen drew real interest, along with the compact footprint it makes possible.

And then there was the Southern Luv BBQ pig car. The booth’s showstopper was a hit all weekend, with attendees lining up to get their picture taken with it. It was a fun way to meet the team and take home a memory of Southern Luv BBQ.

What the Pit Crew Is Saying

“Connecting with so many operators and prospective franchisees was incredibly rewarding,” said Chef Essi Tadrus. “People got to taste the food, see how simple the concept is, and ask us anything. When someone bites into a slider and says ‘I get it,’ that’s the best feeling in the world.”

Dan Goldbeck, a member of the Southern Luv BBQ Pit Crew, added, “The energy at Booth 616 was fantastic. Visitors were excited about how easy the operation is and how smart the design is, especially the hoodless, ventless setup. We had great conversations all weekend, and we’re excited to keep them going.”

Larry Weaver, also of the Pit Crew, said, “Folks walked up for a free sample and walked away talking about ownership. They loved the food, they loved the concept, and a lot of them loved the pig car, too! It was a great weekend, and we’re grateful to everyone who stopped by.”

“It was such a joy to be there with Essi and the team,” said Jenni Tadrus, Essi’s wife, who was also on hand at the booth. “Seeing people light up over the food and the pig car, and seeing how many were excited about the opportunity, reminded me why we love this brand and the community it brings together.”

Missed the Show? You’re Still Invited to Connect

Couldn’t make it to Tampa? Southern Luv BBQ would love to hear from you. Whether you were at the show or not, the Pit Crew is ready to answer your questions about opening and operating a Southern Luv BBQ franchise.

Southern Luv BBQ offers:

• A compact footprint of approximately 600–1,000 square feet.
• A ventless, hoodless kitchen model that may open the door to locations challenging for traditional barbecue restaurants, such as food halls, urban retail, college campuses, airports, and other nontraditional venues.
• A menu of pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and smoked chicken, with signature sauces and scratch-made sides.
• Franchise opportunities for qualified single-unit owners and multi-unit development partners across Florida and the Southeast.

Veterans and Military Families: The $5,000 Franchise-Fee Discount Continues

In honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month, Southern Luv BBQ is reducing its $25,000 initial franchise fee by $5,000, to $20,000, through November. Veterans, military families, and first responders are encouraged to reach out for details about eligibility and applicable terms.

To the veterans and military families who have sacrificed so much: Thank you for your service.

Mention FranchisePressReleases.com for an Opening-Day Bonus

Mention FranchisePressReleases.com when you connect with the team. If you subsequently purchase a Southern Luv BBQ franchise, you can claim a complimentary protein order when your location opens. Ask the team for details and applicable terms.

Let’s Connect

Thank you to everyone who stopped by Booth 616, shared a slider, snapped a pig car photo, and joined the conversation. The team can’t wait to keep it going.

Come for the barbecue. Stay for the conversation. Reach out today to learn more about Southern Luv BBQ.

Learn more about the franchise opportunity at Southern Luv BBQ on FranchisePressReleases.com.

About Southern Luv BBQ

Founded by Chef Essi Tadrus in Tampa, Florida, Southern Luv BBQ is a fast-casual barbecue concept built on authentic pecan-wood-smoked meats, scratch-made sauces and sides, and genuine Southern hospitality. The company is expanding its franchise presence across Florida and the Southeast, welcoming qualified single-unit and multi-unit franchise partners interested in bringing its distinctive barbecue experience to new communities.

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