Carrying on a family barbecue legacy

Brad Schlesener was born to barbecue.

He’s a third generation smoked meat connoisseur, learning the trade from his grandmother, father and uncles.

Now, he’s decided to share his family’s tradition through his new business, Brad’s Smokehouse Catering. Schlesener has had his business up and running only a month, but he’s ready for birthdays, graduations, celebrations or family get-togethers, he said. If it’s a group of 10 or more people, he’s happy to cater any event.

Although Schlesener barbecues, he’s decided to pass the role of pitmaster to his uncle, Harry Yeager of Louisburg, who learned to barbecue from the true master, Schlesener’s father. Schlesener plans to handle the business details outside their smoker, which will be built by his other uncle, Pete Yeager.

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