Our Story

Ron (RJ) Cooper’s journey in the food industry began at the age of 12 when he took his first job at a local seafood and chicken restaurant. There, he peeled potatoes, cleaned fish, and fried chicken, developing a foundation in food preparation and a passion for cooking. These early experiences shaped his strong work ethic and appreciation for good food.
 

RJ then moved on to work with McDonald’s Corporation, where he learned essential business skills like management, inventory control, and customer service. This period was critical in teaching how to run a business smoothly and efficiently, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. These skills were further enhanced when he joined his parents in running Cooper’s BBQ, where he gained firsthand knowledge of traditional barbecuing techniques and learned the importance of community-driven service.
 

In 2023, RJ’s dedication to providing affordable and nutritious meals caught the attention of Los Angeles County, resulting in a $200,000 grant to help him expand his business. This opportunity allowed him to launch RJ’s Pitstop Wings & Things BBQ Smokehouse.

The mobile smokehouse BBQ vendor and catering service quickly became a local favorite, celebrated for its savory wings and flavorful BBQ, while continuing RJ’s mission to offer affordable meals to the community. His journey, starting from peeling potatoes at 12, to corporate training to family traditions, culminated in the success of his BBQ smokehouse venture.
 

The rest, as they say, is history.