We had the good fortune of connecting with Haillee Witcher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Haillee, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for Thumbs Up! Bacon & BBQ originated from a deeply entrenched passion for food, community, and creating memorable experiences. Myles and I, along with our great friend Steph, have been immersed in the restaurant industry for years, which naturally sparked our interest in sharing our love for smoked meats with others. In 2014, we decided to bring this passion to life in San Diego, California.

Interestingly, Thumbs Up! Bacon & BBQ began as an unconventional but heartwarming tradition. Back when we were in property management, we discovered the powerful role food plays in uplifting spirits. To keep our team motivated, we hosted weekend BBQ gatherings where everyone could unwind, enjoy good company, and refresh their spirits for the week ahead. It was during these gatherings that we witnessed the joy our cooking brought and felt the encouragement from our team and friends to extend this happiness to more people.

Fueled by their support, we began the business as a hobby in 2014, pouring love and dedication into every dish. By 2019, we took the leap and committed to Thumbs Up! full-time, turning our passion into our life’s work. Our vision is more than serving delicious food; it’s about transporting people back to cherished memories through flavors.

What sets us apart is how our diverse geographical experiences come together to create a new style of BBQ. Every dish we craft is a testament to our desire to bring people together and make every meal an experience. For us, food is not just about nourishment—it’s about evoking joy, tenderness, and a sense of community. This philosophy drives us to put unmatched effort and love into everything we do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Our journey with Thumbs Up! Bacon & BBQ has been both exhilarating and transformative. What truly sets us apart is our dedication to crafting unique, unforgettable flavors that honor the rich tradition of BBQ while infusing it with our own creative twists. Our attention to detail and commitment to quality ensure that every bite is memorable.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we faced unprecedented challenges. With the sudden halt in live food service, we had to quickly pivot our business model. This led to our shift from solely serving at live events to creating packaged goods, allowing our customers to enjoy our BBQ delights from the comfort and safety of their homes. It was a challenging transition that required adaptability and innovation, but ultimately it expanded our reach and brought our flavors to an even wider audience.

Our professional journey wasn’t without hurdles. We experienced two failed attempts to open a brick-and-mortar location—a process that was both disheartening and enlightening. These experiences taught us resilience and the importance of staying flexible in the face of adversity.

Today, we’re thrilled to have found a home at Burgeon Beer Co., where we can bring our distinctive BBQ offerings to their vibrant community. This collaboration has been incredibly rewarding, allowing us to reach new customers and become part of a supportive network of food and beverage enthusiasts.

Throughout this journey, we’ve learned several valuable lessons: persistence is key, adaptability creates opportunities, and staying true to your passion keeps the flame burning—even through tough times. Our story is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of community support.

What we want the world to know about Thumbs Up! is that we’re not just about great BBQ. We’re about bringing people together, sharing the joy of good food, and adapting with the times without losing sight of our core values. Our brand is a celebration of tradition and innovation, and our story reflects our unwavering commitment to delighting taste buds and creating genuine connections.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of our favorite places in San Diego include;
Thumbs Up! Bacon and BBQ
Burgeon Beer Co. in Carlsbad and the location in Little Italy, The Arbor
Extraordinary Banana Pudding
Tajima in the College Area for Ramen and great service
Chuy’s Taco Shop for Carne Asada Burritos
OB Noodle House for the bomb chicken wings
Coronado Dog Beach
Avenue Subs and Deli in Coronado
The Beach The Beach The Beach!
Seneca Trattoria

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The journey of Thumbs Up! Bacon & BBQ has been a remarkable adventure, and it’s undeniable that our success and growth are owed in large part to the incredible support we’ve received from a wonderful network of people. First and foremost, we want to give a heartfelt shoutout to our families…Mom & Dad (Lorrie & Dan), Mom (Frivolette), Kat & Jeremy, LeTrail & Heather… Their unwavering encouragement, love, and belief in us provided the foundation we needed to take the leap from a dream to reality.

Our friends have also played a crucial role—joining us for those early BBQ gatherings when this was just a budding idea and consistently cheering us on as it blossomed into a full-time endeavor…Steph, Court, Brooklyn & Swift,Toran, Will, Mike, Cassie and so many more! Their support has been a constant source of inspiration and motivation.

We certainly cannot forget our loyal customers—each and every one has been integral to our journey. Their love for the flavors we create and their readiness to come along for the ride have fueled our passion and commitment. The joy we see in our customers truly affirms why we do what we do.

Additionally, we’d like to acknowledge the mentors and fellow Business Owners, Including Burgeon Beer Co. and Extraordinary Banana Pudding, who shared their wisdom and expertise with us along the way. Their guidance has been invaluable in helping us refine our craft and expand our vision.

Together, these amazing people and groups make up the tapestry of support, encouragement, and encouragement that have allowed Thumbs Up! to thrive and continue spreading joy through great food.”

Website: thumbsupbaconandbbq@gmail.com

Instagram: thumbsupbaconandbbq

Facebook: thumbsupbaconandbbq

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.