Interview with Stephen “Ruff” Ruffatti, proprietor
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: We bought our first cooker 19 years ago. Every time I purchased fuel, I looked around and said, “I want to do this.” So I sold my business in 2006 and started this one in 2007.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: You’d be hard pressed to find another shop between the Mississippi and California that specializes in everything you need to barbecue in your backyard. We specialize in cooking with wood. Even if you have a gas grill, we can teach you how to cook on it with wood. We are old school in that we provide personal service that you don’t get at the national chains. We have a 24-hour service line and even make house calls for repairs on holidays and weekends to help people have a great barbecue experience.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: The people are great! Our patrons represent a full cross section of society and everybody loves good eats. When people ask us where the best barbecue in town is, we tell them: at their house, if they continue hanging around with us. Barbecue brings families together, helps you get to know your neighbors and can create a positive environment at work.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Competing with “Big Business.” The American consumer shops price: “How cheap can I get it?” Then, when they need help or a special part, the national chains don’t care. Life is about relationships with people. We are a small, family business. We live where we work. A full refund, no-questions-asked policy implies you sell junk and don’t care about your customers’ satisfaction. People buy things so they can use them — forget returning it. Call our 24-hour service line and we will have you enjoying great barbecue in short order.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Our philosophy, “Keep it simple … Smoking: The less you do, the better it gets,” enables me to make great barbecue. However, I can’t cook worth a lick. I make “Worst Cooks In America” look like culinary artists.
Profile
Business: Ruff’s Barbeque Shoppe
Address: 1941 Youngfield St., Golden
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
Founded: 2007
Contact: 303-237-1556; ; @RuffsBBQ
Employees: 5
