Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Truesdale.
Hi Derrick, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
MY journey began over thirty years ago when I accepted the call to ministry. This vocation led me to places where my studies were coupled with my love for food. Upon my return to Baltimore, I accepted a teaching position at Saint Frances Academy, the oldest Black Catholic high school in the country. Although I didn’t fully appreciate its historical significance at first, I entered the classroom eager to inspire, empower, and foster growth among the scholars. Over the years, I advanced from teacher to department chair, and now serve as the Dean of Discipline, where my influence reaches far beyond what I ever imagined.
My guiding principle is: “Be proactive to the behavior expected and reactive to the behavior presented.” This approach supports both my vocation as a Pastor and my role as Dean, enabling me to connect meaningfully with our scholars and the community. I am committed to recognizing the potential in every student who enters SFA’s doors and helping them exceed established expectations. With more than 30 years dedicated to ministry, education, and leadership development, this path has led me to an incredibly fulfilling life.
Apart from teaching, my passion for cooking has always played a major role in my life. It began in high school, and wherever I travel, I enjoy learning new recipes and culinary techniques. My experiences have taken me to various regions, where I discovered Houston’s Texas-style brisket, Memphis’s dry rub ribs, and Carolina’s pulled pork BBQ. Drawing from these influences, I crafted my own version with a Baltimore flair.
Today, I am the founder and owner of Tru Bros. BBQ, LLC—a home-based BBQ business in Reisterstown, MD. Our mission is to grow into a storefront restaurant.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been challenging. My initial experience involved serving food from the school cafeteria on weekends, which generated considerable community support. Our business was progressing toward establishing a restaurant when the COVID pandemic unexpectedly altered our entire trajectory: it affected our business plan, our methods of barbecue service, and even our intended cooking location. Consequently, we transitioned to a home-based model change that ultimately proved advantageous. This shift provided me with the opportunity to refine my culinary skills, develop new recipes, and deepen my understanding of the industry. Even after the pandemic subsided, we made the strategic decision to remain a home-based operation.
Currently, our main challenge is managing growth and providing adequate support. Due to increasing demand, we’re considering expansion, and for me, the biggest difficulty lies in selecting the ideal location for our plans.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about TRU Brothers BBQ, LLC?
Tru Bros. BBQ has always been a labor of love, right from its humble beginnings in our own home kitchen. As a self-taught pitmaster, I poured my heart and soul into every rack of ribs, every brisket, and every side dish, drawing on my years in restaurant and catering kitchens. My passion for barbecue meant studying and sampling everything from smoky Texas briskets to tangy Memphis pork ribs. But what truly excited me was bringing together the Midwestern barbecue flavors I grew up with and the unique culinary traditions of Baltimore, my adopted home. Our menu reflects that journey, honoring time-tested “slow and low” techniques, but never shying away from infusing a bit of Baltimore flair. Connecting with the local community at pop-up events, I get to meet fellow BBQ lovers face-to-face, and every compliment or smile reminds me why I insist on quality over quantity. Tru Bros. BBQ isn’t just a business; it’s my way of sharing what I love with the people around me.
Our signature Bourbon Honey BBQ Sauce is especially close to my heart. Every batch is crafted with care, and I taste it myself before it goes on a single rib, chicken wing, or lamb chop. Hearing customers ask if they can take a bottle home, and watching them do it, never gets old. But what makes me proudest is our commitment to serving you the freshest, most flavorful barbecue possible. We work together with local butchers, so every cut is farm-to-table, and you can truly taste the difference in every bite. When you dig into our Texas-style brisket or our smoky ribs, know that you’re enjoying the dishes we’re most proud of—the ones that started it all, and the ones that keep us fired up every day. Thank you for making Tru Bros. BBQ part of your table and letting us share a little bit of our story with each meal.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
My favorite aspect of Baltimore is its rich history. We’re more than just a community; we’re a diverse group with deep traditions, historical roots, and strong family ties. Like any major city, there are challenges, but Baltimore truly stands out as a one-of-a-kind place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trubrosbbqllc.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/Trubrosbbq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruBrosBBQ
