BRRG Success: ResQ BBQ
This story is part of an ongoing series highlighting the businesses that received Business Recovery and Redevelopment Grant (BRRG) support from the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development during the COVID19 pandemic, offering a look at how they navigated uncertainty, used those resources to pivot, and where they are today.
Low and slow is the golden rule for barbeque, but for Chuck and Valerie (Val) Meyer, owners of ResQ BBQ in Leesburg, a whirlwind of factors all at once forced their business strategy to move at lightning speed.
What started as a 900-square-foot concession stand at Evergreen Sportsplex (now RavenTek Park) has evolved into a 3,092-square-foot brick-and-mortar restaurant on a busy stretch of Market Street that has quickly become a local favorite. Their journey combines grit, community heart, and the power of a well-timed investment through the Loudoun County Business Recovery & Reinvention Grant (BRRG).
The turning point came during the early months of the pandemic, when, due to restrictions caused by COVID, Chuck and Val—like many other small business owners—had to get creative for their brand to survive.
The Meyers had their eye on a specific building in Leesburg, but it took some persistence to get the right side of it—literally.
“We kept looking at this building, but the broker kept showing us one specific side,” Val shared. “It was more construction than we had hoped for. We were trying to figure out the logistics to cook BBQ indoors and we also wanted to build a bar, but didn’t think it would work in that space. This building has two business spaces, so he showed us the other side, and it was perfect.”
The goal for ResQ was to move away from the order-by-number, fast-casual feel of most BBQ joints and create a warm, service-oriented environment. And while their opening weekend was a success, they had to cross one last financial hurdle before getting there: purchasing and installing the second hood system in the kitchen that would allow them to put the smokers indoors.
“After we signed the lease, we were blindsided when the contractor told us that we needed to get a second hood,” Chuck said. “We had to scramble to figure that out and with that price tag! It was around that time the grant became available. Without the additional funds, we wouldn’t have been able to put the smokers inside. There was simply no place for them.”
While the grant was a fraction of their total investment, Chuck describes it as “the last piece” of the puzzle. Without it, the opening of their new location would have been delayed by months.
Ultimately, for Chuck and Val, ResQ BBQ is an extension of their 28-year history in Leesburg. Chuck, a former firefighter of 14 years, and Val, a long-time community volunteer, have built a culture of giving back that is baked into the brand. They offer first responders discounts and are involved with organizations that raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer.
The Meyers have always invested in people first. As Val put it, “These are values we want to pass down. Community is important.”
Since signing the lease in 2021 and opening the new doors in February 2022, the growth has been steady and substantial. What was once a small team has grown into 14 full-time employees. They are also participating in some of the biggest events in the county, including the Taste of Leesburg, the Leesburg Independence Day Celebration, and the Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival.
For those pursuing their #LoudounPossible dream, Val’s advice is simple, “You have to follow your own path. Love what you’re doing if you have to do it every single day.”
You can visit ResQ BBQ at 528 E. Market Street in Leesburg to experience the home-cooked warmth that Chuck and Val have worked so hard to build. To learn more, visit their website at resq-bbq.com.
