Meet the Team Series: Michael Von Wahlde

{Meet The Team}

      A George’s Blog Series

Michael Von Wahlde

Assistant Manager - Dead End Knoxville

Years Employed at Dead End: 5 Years

Where Are You From: Born in Chicago, IL. Raised in Nashville, TN.

Tell us a little about yourself…

I have lived in Chicago, Dallas and Nashville before moving to Knoxville to pursue a Computer Science degree at the University of Tennessee. Dead End has been my main source of income since joining the company in 2009.

When you are at work, what is your “go-to” meal?

It’s a tie between several items: wings, sliced brisket, grilled smoked bologna and smoked sausage with cheese.

What is your favorite saying that has been posted on the Dead End Sign?

“Get your freshman 15 here.”

Share a memorable experience you’ve had during your time at Dead End…

It’s hard to pick just one experience because I have had so many while working for the company. I really love having our softball games on Monday nights. It’s a fun way to get the crew together (even if we only win one game per season J).

'Cue For A Cause: Random Acts of Flowers

{'Cue For A Cause}

Community is a huge part of Dead End BBQ’s foundation. Our roots are embedded in the neighborhoods, schools and organizations that surround us. We are constantly striving to find ways to give back to the community that has supported us for so many years.

One of the ways Dead End BBQ gives back is by partnering with local non-profits. This year we have chosen to partner with Random Acts of Flowers for their annual fundraiser.

Random Acts of Flowers is a Knoxville founded non-profit that dedicates itself to repurposing flowers by delivering volunteer-crafted bouquets to people in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Flower by flower, they are spreading kindness and giving hope to folks who are going through a hard time. Such a simple act but the impact it has had on our community is astronomical.

And now, Random Acts of Flowers is taking their mission nationally, opening three more branches across the US.

In order to continue expanding their mission, Random Acts of Flowers will be hosting The Garden Party, a new rendition of their annual fundraiser. Join them on May 9^th for a fundraising experience like no other! Dead End BBQ will be catering the event, offering a variety of bite-sized appetizers that will make you rethink East Tennessee barbecue. There will be live entertainment, silent and live auctions and some surprises that you don’t want to miss!

For more information on The Garden Party, visit their website or follow them on facebook.

Upcoming Events: Rocky Top BBQ Fest May 29-30

{Upcoming Events}

Rocky Top BBQ Fest, May 29th-30th

In just a few months, The Rotary Club of Bearden will be hosting its annual barbecue competition  Rocky Top BBQ Fest (formerly known as The Rocky Top Hummin' & Strummin' BBQ Cook-Off). It's a great local barbecue event where teams from across the region come to showcase their smoking skills, in a KCBS sanctioned cook-off.

Normally held at the Episcopal School of Knoxville, Rocky Top BBQ Fest has become so popular that The Rotary decided to move the event to the Performance Lawn at World's Fair Park in Downtown Knoxville. With this new venue, the Rotary hopes to offer a wider variety of activities and entertainment for the whole family.

As a vendor for the past two years, the staff at Dead End BBQ has enjoyed being a part of Rocky Top BBQ Fest. Last year, we even had some people participate in the Ice Cream Eating Contest...there's nothing like vanilla ice cream topped with barbecue sauce!

To stay up-to-date, please visit the Rocky Top BBQ Fest Facebook or http://beardenrotary.org/quefest.

Meet The Team Series

{Meet The Team}

      A George’s Blog Series

Get to know the key players of Dead End BBQ with our "Meet The Team" Series. Each month, we will feature a new member of our staff from Dead End Knoxville and Dead End Maryville.

Stay Tuned …