Born to Grill Stories Meet Jade Nuñez

Q & A with Jade Nuñez

Tell us about what you do at BBQGuys.

JN: I’m the Design Services Supervisor. I set the quality standards for our designs, oversee the process from start to finish, and support my team so they can do their best work. At the end of the day, my goal is to make sure every customer walks away with a beautiful, well-thought-out design and an experience that exceeds their expectations.

What’s your process like working with a customer?

JN: It starts when a customer calls in and speaks to a sales rep and shares their vision with them. They will then submit photos, plans, measurements, or even just a rough idea to the sales rep, at which point they will assist the customer in picking out appliances, storage, furniture, rugs, and even heating. Our team then creates a custom 3D design that shows exactly how their space could look and function. We include layout details and finish ideas, then work together to tweak everything to get it just right. It’s super collaborative and helps customers feel confident before any construction starts.

As the Design Services Supervisor, you’re in touch with homeowners as well as builders and contractors who create outdoor kitchens. What trends are you seeing in that space?

JN: Builders and homeowners are leaning more towards flexibility and efficiency. Modular components are gaining popularity, they make installations faster and let homeowners expand their space later if they want. There also seems to be a growing focus on creating spaces that can shift from cooking to entertaining seamlessly.

What’s the most common mistake people make when planning their outdoor space — and how can you help them avoid it?

JN: Not thinking enough about flow. People focus on appliances and finishes but forget how they’ll actually move through the space. Where guests will sit, how food travels from grill to table, or how the sun hits certain spots. Our 3D designs help visualize all that before the build.

What industry innovations are you excited about?

JN: I’m really excited about how technology keeps stepping up in the outdoor living world, both in how people use their spaces and how we design them. On the design side, 3D rendering has come such a long way. We can now create super realistic visuals that let customers see their space before it’s built, which makes the whole process more interactive and exciting.

What inspired your passion for outdoor kitchens?

JN: I love the idea of bringing people together, and outdoor spaces do that better than anything. There’s something special about cooking and gathering together outside; it feels relaxed, fun, and genuine. Working here has only deepened that passion, because I get to see how our designs help families and friends create spaces where great meals and memories happen.

What’s the most memorable outdoor project you’ve worked on?

JN: I worked with a customer whose adult daughter had a brain injury, and they needed an ADA-accessible outdoor kitchen built in a very specific space so she could enjoy outdoor life with her family. It was one of those projects that really reminded me why we do what we do — creating spaces that bring people together and make everyday moments a little more special.

What’s your outdoor kitchen philosophy or design approach?

JN: Function first, personality always. A design should look great, but more importantly, it should work beautifully for the people using it. I focus on flow and comfort first, then layer in textures, colors, and materials that reflect the homeowner’s style.

How do you define a perfect backyard space?

JN: It should feel like an extension of your home: comfortable, beautiful, and easy to enjoy. You can achieve that whether it’s a full kitchen or a cozy firepit setup. Regardless of what that looks like for each person, it should make you want to spend more time outside.

What’s your favorite thing to grill outdoors?

JN: Honestly, a medium rare steak. The smell and sizzle, it's just perfection. Brisket is a close second on the list, which is funny since they are wildly different in terms of time and cooking style.

What’s one outdoor cooking tool you can't live without?

JN: A good digital meat probe. It takes all the guesswork out of grilling and helps you hit that perfect temperature every time. Once you start using one, you’ll never want to cook without it.

What’s your go-to BBQ sauce or rub — homemade or store-bought?

JN: I like to mix my own, mostly something smoky and a little sweet with honey, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar. If I’m trying to grab something quick from the store, Sweet Baby Rays is my go-to.

Are you team charcoal, gas, pellet, or wood?

JN: Team charcoal. Call me old fashioned, but the flavor and hands on process makes grilling way more satisfying for me.

What grill do you use most?

JN: I have a Primo Oval XL that I use pretty much exclusively. I’ve got all the accessories, so I can cook just about anything on it. Kamados are a bit of an old-school technology, but they’ve stood the test of time for a reason, they’re so versatile, retain heat like crazy, and give food that amazing smoky flavor.

What is your go-to grilling recipe?

JN: It’s the brisket smoking recipe by Randy. I actually ate the brisket that was cooked in that video and it was delicious!

What do you like to do outside of work?

JN: I’ve always had my hands in creative projects. I love exploring different artistic outlets like painting, woodworking, ceramics, and photography. Those hobbies really influence how I approach design and problem-solving.