We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jason Ganahl. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Jason, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Wake up – get kids ready for school . Take them to School. Go to Gym, Sauna and Pray
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jason Ganahl, founder of GQue BBQ, Colorado’s championship and most recognized BBQ brand. I’m a dad, author, and someone who believes that food and experience has the power to transform someone’s day. At GQue, we aim to give every guest the best 20 minutes of their day — one perfectly smoked bite at a time.
What makes us unique? We’re not in Texas, Kansas City, or Memphis — we’re doing competition BBQ a mile above sea level in Colorado. GQue has won 19 Grand or Reserve Grand Championships, built a loyal fan base, and expanded from competition BBQ to thriving restaurant locations, full-service bars, and even our own ice cream brand. We have weekly specials and Colroados Best Happy Hour featuring $1 beers. .
But this brand isn’t just about BBQ — it’s about belief. I started with a dream, a rented U-Haul, and a smoker in a parking lot at my first BBQ contest. I placed in the top 10, and from that moment, I was hooked. Since then, I’ve built GQue on optimism, fire, and relentless pursuit of excellence — not just in the food, but in building teams, mentoring leaders, and creating experiences that matter.
Right now, I’m working on opening new restaurant locations & launching our first nationally published cookbook, I’m also deeply committed to helping others — whether it’s through coaching, content, or just sharing what I’ve learned along the way.
If you love bold flavor, bold leadership, and bold dreams — then you’re in the right place.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My father. He was consistent. Worked the same job for 40 years. Got up everyday got dressed went to work and came home. Extremely disciplined, never whined or complained to me about his job or work in general. Got to help people everyday but getting them their parts for construction equipment.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. There have been several moments where I felt like giving up — but one stands out.
When I opened our second GQue BBQ location, I thought we had momentum. We had a successful first shop, a growing brand, and a playbook that worked. Everyone said you need to open one down south. But opening night? It was a ghost town. After all the time, money, and energy I poured into it, I stood in that empty restaurant wondering, Did I just make a huge mistake? Where is everyone that said you need to open one down south. It was a start up all over again but even worse we had a spot with zero visibility.
That kind of silence messes with your head. Self-doubt is everywhere. You question everything — your vision, your leadership, even your worth.
But in that low moment, I remembered why I started: to create something special, to serve others, and to prove to myself that I could. I leaned on faith, got back to the fundamentals, and rallied our team. One guest at a time, one sandwich at a time, we rebuilt momentum.
Giving up would’ve been easy. But I’ve learned that the biggest breakthroughs often come right after the breakdown — and that belief has carried me through every challenge since.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
Chat GPT is a trusted ally with all kinds of great ideas.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
Not taking the shot.
I’d regret playing it safe when I knew there was more in the tank — more to give, more to try, more people to serve. I’ve learned that the biggest risks often lead to the biggest rewards — and even when they don’t, they teach you something you couldn’t learn any other way.
I’d also regret not loving my family with everything I’ve got.
Not just being there, but being present. Not showing them what’s possible through my words — but through my actions. If I don’t give them my heart, my time, and my attention, then none of the business stuff really matters.
At the end of the day, I don’t want to be remembered for the BBQ I made — I want to be remembered for the life I built and the love I gave.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gquebbq.com
- Instagram: gquebbq
- Linkedin: jason Ganahl
- Twitter: gquebbq
- Facebook: GQue
- Youtube: gquebbqco
