About Coastal Barbecue

Coastal Barbecue was born out of pure passion. No big budget, no fancy kitchen, just a smoker, a love for good food, and a dream I couldn’t let go of.

I’m Johnny Elles, and I started this company in the beach parking lots of Southern California, handing out free barbecue to anyone willing to give it a try. I didn’t have a roadmap. Just a belief that if I put in the work, stayed honest to the process, and kept improving, something real would grow from it.

It wasn’t easy. I burned through meat, messed up events, and worked countless weekends with nothing to show for it but smoke stained clothes and hard earned lessons. Every mistake became part of the foundation. Every bit of feedback helped shape what Coastal Barbecue is today.

That same grit and hunger are what now fuel our presence at exclusive private events across Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. We’ve served everyone from UFC fighters to major brands like RVCA and Red Bull.

Coastal Barbecue is a reflection of that journey. A brand built on passion, persistence, and the belief that good food, made with care, brings people together.

— Johnny Elles
Founder, Coastal Barbecue

We specialize in California Style Barbecue. Clean, bold, and deeply rooted in tradition, yet just innovative enough to stand out. Smoked low and slow over real wood, seasoned simply, and served with care, our food is all about flavor, integrity, and craft.

Today, we bring bespoke barbecue experiences to private events, brand activations, and exclusive gatherings. From the smoker to dining service, everything we do reflects our commitment to excellence.

Behind every great event is a team that makes it all happen. At Coastal Barbecue, we are proud to have an amazing group of people who bring skill, energy, and professionalism to every event we serve.

What began with just one person has grown into a dedicated crew of pitmasters, cooks, servers, and support staff. Each team member takes pride in their work and shares a common goal — to deliver a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable experience for our clients and their guests.

We have built a team that understands the importance of consistency, cleanliness, and customer service. Whether we are preparing food for an intimate private dinner or managing a full-service setup for a large corporate or social event, we bring the same level of care and commitment.

When you book with Coastal Barbecue, you are not just getting great food. You are getting a team that shows up early, works hard, and puts heart into everything we do.