JAMES SANDERS

Sanders BBQ Supply Co.

James Sanders found his passion for cooking early on, starting his career at Ryan’s Steakhouse the day after graduating high school. However, he temporarily set aside his culinary ambitions to join the National Guard. Afterward, he attended Southern Illinois University, where his love for grilling and barbecuing blossomed as he hosted late-night BBQs for friends. Determined to pursue his passion, James returned to Chicago to attend culinary school while also working with the Chicago Bears as a prep cook after classes. His first solo venture into the restaurant industry was with Sunrise Fast Foods, which featured iconic Chicago dishes like Italian beef and Chicago-style hot dogs. He later became a franchisee for Harold’s Chicken, quickly expanding to own and oversee 22 locations across the country, from Las Vegas to St. Louis, eventually rising to the role of regional director. Despite his success in franchising, James missed the hands-on work of the kitchen, leading him to launch Fuse Catering. The company quickly gained acclaim as the first African-American-owned catering business to cater events at the Art Institute of Chicago. Fuse Catering also catered the 2024 Democratic National Convention and was awarded the prestigious contract for the Obama Foundation Athletic Center. During this time, James began working on the concept for Sanders BBQ Supply Co, a project that took seven years to perfect. His vision was to bring an elevated BBQ experience, serving craft smoked meats to Chicago’s South Side. In early 2024, he partnered with pitmaster Nick Kelutsch, blending Nick’s expertise in Texas-style BBQ with James’ Midwestern flair. Sanders BBQ Supply Co opened its doors in June 2024 and has quickly become a beloved spot, not just in the Beverly neighborhood but throughout the city of Chicago.