Underdog BBQ

by Steve Siwiecki

This month I visited Underdog BBQ, a local business with a unique history, to talk with owner Ashley Messenger.  The story begins in 2019 when entrepreneur Glenn Stearns came to Erie as part of the television series Undercover Billionaire.  With only $100 in his pocket, he was given just 90 days to create and grow a business to a worth of one million dollars.

Ashley's brother was working with Glenn and she agreed to help out.  This eventually lead to a kitchen manager´s position for her.  Glenn returned to his normal life and left his staff to manage the business without him.  Like most restaurants, covid hit the business hard.  Following this, Glenn had concerns about keeping the business going and he had an opening for a manager, a job he offered to Ashley who had studied culinary arts, and food and beverage management at Mercyhurst.  She loves a challenge, so she accepted the job and was able to significantly increase business.  Despite this turnaround Glenn decided to sell the business and offered Ashley a great deal, so she bought it.

Ashley, like her staff, has lived her entire life in Erie, making Underdog BBQ a truly local business.  In the summer of 2022 she was unable to renew her lease, so she made an offer on the former Perkins restaurant on West 8th Street and closed within 3 weeks.  They spent a year on renovations, relying on catering and their food truck to keep things going.  With a soft opening on July 18, 2023 Underdog BBQ is back in business.

Ashley says that her current staff are the best team she ever had, and they all support each other.  They want everyone who visits to feel welcome and safe.  They have attended multiple community events, including Meadville Pride and the Health Expo, and will be hosting the Aging with Pride monthly social at the end of this month.  Visit Underdog BBQ for a great meal, a friendly staff, and a pleasant atmosphere.

Location: 2714 West 8th Street, Erie. Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Friday & Saturday  11:00 AM - 10:00 PM