Life is Service: Jake Wood x Lawrence Barbecue

“Sitting down at my grandma’s table is something I remember so well—the warmth, the love, the stories shared over food. That’s what I want everyone to feel when they come to Lawrence Barbecue. Growing up, my family laid out the blueprint for me. I inherited their hard work, determination, and diligence, but it didn’t quite click until I started my own family. That was the key. Getting married and having a baby made my future a lot clearer and pushed me to become the best version of myself. Being a chef became more than just a job; it became my way of honoring my roots and building something for my family.

Some of these recipes we serve go back 150 years. My grandparents and great-grandparents were farmers who cured meats, made jam, and ran a sorghum mill. I’m trying to bring that heritage forward in the food we serve, to tell our family’s story with every bite.

This journey started with just an idea, and we’ve had our share of struggles. There were times when we didn’t know if we could make payroll. But now, we’re in a good place. We’ve got the right team, the right family behind us. Next summer, we’re moving to a new location where we can really bring our vision to life—a bigger kitchen, more space, and even more hospitality. Above all though, I want you to leave with a full stomach and a big smile, just like I did after a meal at grandma’s.”

— Jake Wood
Owner: @lawrencebarbecue (+ Lawrence Food Co.)

Photo series: Life is Service
Pt 9.
Photographed + Interviewed by: Jordan Abdur-Ra’oof @shotbyjbot

Location: Lawrence Barbecue - Boxyard RTP