We Had $0 Left: The BBQ Pitmaster Who Slept in His Restaurant

We Had $0 Left: The BBQ Pitmaster Who Slept in His Restaurant

Author: Dub & Nectorious Papi August 25, 2026 Duration: 1:00:36

We sit down with the owner and head chef behind Wildfire Craft BBQ to hear one of the wildest restaurant origin stories we’ve had on the podcast.

It started with a $400 backyard smoker and a first brisket so bad it went straight in the bin. Then came the garage BBQ cook off, 12 customers became 60 a night, and eventually every dollar of their savings went into opening a restaurant.


Casey opens up about working days without sleep, living on instant noodles, sleeping inside the restaurant, the Melbourne pop-up that changed the business overnight, and the heartbreaking timing of losing his biggest supporter just as Wildfire went viral.


We also get into the real economics of brisket, Filipino food, Texas BBQ, building a loyal following and what comes next as Wildfire expands into a second Geelong venue.


Check out their new venue, Honky Cat Saloon in Geelong, along with their flagship store Wildfire Craft BBQ in Newcomb, Geelong, Victoria.


Don't forget to visit our sponsor, Royal Stacks, when in Melbourne, your burger cravings are sorted, by the kings.

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There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when people who are genuinely obsessed with food get together, and that's exactly what you'll find on The Food Guys Podcast. Hosts Dub and Nectorious Papi don't just review meals; they dive headfirst into the entire universe of what we eat. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair at a lively table where the topics range from breaking down the latest fast-food menu item to heated debates about beloved or despised ingredients. The discussion is always grounded in a real passion-they love to talk about food just as much as they love to eat it. You'll hear more than just their opinions, though. They regularly bring other voices into the mix, from well-known names in the food industry to local business owners and fellow food lovers. These conversations are packed with the hosts' natural chemistry, which means plenty of laughter, friendly banter, and the occasional good-natured argument. Tuning into this podcast is like getting an insider's look at food culture, served with a side of humor and genuine curiosity. It’s a show for anyone who thinks about their next meal while they’re still eating the current one.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Food Guys Podcast
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