Thursday, April 24, 2014

It's been two years!


I can't believe it's been two years since Daren and I opened the doors to Colorado BBQ Outfitters! No saying is more accurate than "time flies when you are having fun". 



We have experienced so much over the last two years and have also learned a lot as well. I think my favorite has been the classes and the discussions with customers. Sometimes people just come in and talk for awhile. I learn so much and can sometimes share some of my BBQ wisdom and experience with them. 

Daren and I have decided to renew our lease for another 2 years in our location. Our smaller size offers some challenges for us but I have faith we will overcome that and make the store the best ever in the next two years as well as many more years to come. 

I especially want to take this time to thank all of those that helped us over the last two years. Family and friends have been so nice and gracious enough to donate items to the store, their time, and other resources that we simply could not have functioned without.  I am thinking we will have a private bbq party for those that we owe a huge debt of gratitude to sometime next month. :) 

I look forward to the next two years and many years after that. 

Dan
Colorado BBQ Outfitters

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Spring is close!

I really need to rename this blog to Dan's not-so-monthly blog instead of Dan's not-so-weekly blog!

Although Spring isn't officially here yet, it sure feels like it.

The birds are chirping each morning and the weather is getting nicer and nicer. I even have weeds starting to come up in the front yard!

Having lived in Alaska and Michigan for most of my childhood, I have paid my dues with winter weather. Not a fan at all. It doesn't stop me from smoking or grilling my favorite foods but I sure do prefer the warm weather.

Soon we will be putting away our winter coats and getting out the flip flops, shorts and tank tops! (Just make sure you have some sort of clothing on so you don't look like this guy...)


This time of year is usually when the "seasonal" bbqer's start to pull out their gas grills, etc. And that means checking basic maintenance and doing some cleaning. 

When it comes to grills and smokers, do NOT clean the smoke build up on the inside. That is called a "seasoned" grill or smoker. However, you do want to clean out the ash and larger debris that may accumulate. You gas grillers out there will want to make sure your burners are all clean. You will want to clean out any accumulated grease as that can lead to a fire hazard. 

Cleaning the outside of your grill or smoker is easy with Citrusafe. We carry this product at the store as it is non-flammable, non-toxic, biodegradable and phosphate free. Yet it still cuts through the dirt. 

for those of you that use propane, it is extremely important to check all of your valves, connectors and hoses for any leaks. Here is a great link to an article that gives some tips: Grill Maintenance

Sit back, enjoy the sounds, smells and beauty of Spring and keep on smoking and grilling! 

Dan MacDonald
Colorado BBQ Outfitters
719-465-1041