Meet Our Besties
The Tom Schmidt
Owner
Browning is integral to the flavor.
About Tom:
Tom was a really shy kid that found his voice and passion in the restaurant worlds he immersed himself in. Tom was thinking about BBQ and eating about BBQ for a long time. Then he started talking about BBQ to Haley and together they made great BBQ. Tom realizes now that thinking about stuff is bad for him. Now he just talks about stuff and then he and Haley make good stuff happen.
Haley Freaking Riley
Chef + Pitmaster
Risk it for the brisket.
About Haley:
Raised in the wild by wolves, Haley Riley has a deep and meaningful connection to meat. After graduating top of his class at Meat Doctor University, he has gone on to be one of the world’s preeminent meat minds with his philosophy “You Can’t BBQ on Your Heels.”
Mike P
CFO
How long have you worked at S+S?A short while but I’ve been eating at the Delmar location since it opened in 2014.
If you were a S+S sauce, which one would you be?My Sweet Bestie, with a splash of Hotangy
What whiskey/bourbon do you always recommend?WhistlePig Rye is my go-to, but I also always recommend anything from Hillrock Distillery in upstate NY.
If you had a dish named after yourself, what would your dish be?The 2-Combo plate with Pulled Pork and Fried Jalapeño and Cheddar Bologna.
Mike
Director of Operations
How long have you worked at S+S?5 years
If you were a S+S sauce, which one would you be?My Sweet Bestie … it’s a classic, like me
Favorite daily side you wish was a permanent side?Anything pickled.
What whiskey/bourbon do you always recommend?Buffalo Trace...It pretty much as everything you want without overdoing it
Collie Collie
Hospitality Director
How long have you worked at S+S?I joined after Tom and Haley caught their groove for a year. Summer 2015.
If you were a S+S sauce, which one would you be?“I Can’t Even”—a tad sweet, yet spicy throughout.
Favorite daily side you wish was a permanent side?Braised kale - healthy, flavorful and cleans the system.
What whiskey/bourbon do you always recommend?Bourbon/whiskey recommendations are like dating sites where you must get to know the drinker to link them with the correct “water with a soul.”
If you had a dish named after yourself, what would your dish be?Meatloaf is the only dish that would plant a smile on me by carrying my name because it has never met a stranger.
Mackenzie
Social Media Manager
How long have you worked at S+S?2 years
If you were a S+S sauce, which one would you be?Probably Alabama Ranch. Mainly because no one else claimed it in their answer and I have to be different.
Favorite daily side you wish was a permanent side?Mashed potatoes forever and always. I’d bathe in those potatoes.
If you had a dish named after yourself, what would your dish be?Either a super decadent chocolate dessert (think gooey middle that you can’t stop eating even if it makes you sick) or a chicken pot pie.
Emily
HR Manager
How long have you worked at S+S?Since January of 2023!
If you were a S+S sauce, which one would you be?Definitely My Sweet Bestie
What whiskey/bourbon do you always recommend?Whatever my fiancé suggests... he is the pro in that arena!
If you had a dish named after yourself, what would your dish be?I can live without a lot of things but TACOS are not on the list. So my dish would have to be something taco related. Maybe I'll convince Tom and Haley to add a Salt and Smoke Taco to the menu one day!
Jordan
Beverage Manager
How long have you worked at S+S?Been with S+S for a year.
If you were a S+S sauce, which one would you be?Alabama ranch. I may not be exactly what you were looking for when you asked for ranch, but I’m fun and a little spicy and hopefully you like me too.
Favorite daily side you wish was a permanent side?Not exactly a daily side, but get me sloppy-no's on the menu year-round. I guess you could say I'm a sloppy-ho.
What whiskey/bourbon do you always recommend?I personally love Knob Creek 9yr and always recommend it for someone getting started in whiskey. It’s sweet, nutty, and complex, but doesn’t break the bank. If you’re looking to level up your whiskey experience try the Knob Creek 12yr if you can find it.
Zach
STC Manager
How long have you worked at S+S?9 months
If you were a S+S sauce, which one would you be?Easily the Mustarolina sauce. (Pro tip: if you mix equal parts Mustarolina and My Sweet Bestie you end up with this incredibly complex smokey/honey mustard style sauce that is absolutely amazing on our pork sandwich).
If you had a dish named after yourself, what would your dish be?Well ... do you remember that crazy mustarolina/bestie sauce I told you about earlier? If you toss some trashed ribs in that sauce with a side of pickles, forget about it. End of story. Good night.
Lisa
BPV Manager
How long have you worked at S+S?11 months
If you were a S+S sauce, which one would you be?Hot and Tangy
Favorite daily side you wish was a permanent side?Tina's Buffalo Chicken Salad
What whiskey/bourbon do you always recommend?Jefferson's Ocean (Call it Pirate or Mermaid Bourbon)
If you had a dish named after yourself, what would your dish be?Throw Hot and Tangy sauce into a portion of salmon, serve it in a popover and call it "Breakfast of Champions"
Jake
Delmar Manager
How long have you worked at S+S?Since Jan 2020
If you were a S+S sauce, which one would you be?Chicken gumbo
What whiskey/bourbon do you always recommend?Blanton's
If you had a dish named after yourself, what would your dish be?B.L.T. with smoked chicken and avocado
Josh
Hampton Manager
How long have you worked at S+S?1 year 4 months
If you were a S+S sauce, which one would you be?I Can't Even
Favorite daily side you wish was a permanent side?Green Bean Casserole
What whiskey/bourbon do you always recommend?Jefferson Ocean Cask or Blackened
If you had a dish named after yourself, what would your dish be?Whatever it is it would be “a la King."
