By Michelle M. Sharp, Founder and Content Creator of Meet the Minnesota Makers
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WHO: |
Kaylee and Dan Cahill Mathews, owners of Baptism River Barbecue |
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BUSINESS TYPE: |
Food Truck |
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SIGNATURE PRODUCTS: |
True Northwoods Barbecue |
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WHERE: IN-PERSON: WEBSITE: |
North Shore Most up-to-date schedule at website or on social media |
Minnesota barbecue brings its own flavor to the pit. It doesn’t mimic any other national tradition. 
North Shore barbecue innovators Kaylee and Dan Cahill Mathews define their vision of true Northwoods Barbecue through the North Shore’s own Baptism River Barbecue Company.
Husband and wife team Kaylee and Dan established Baptism River Barbecue Co in the summer of 2020. “It started with a love of making food and sharing it with others,” says Kaylee. “Food has always been a focal point in our relationship with each other and even more so when getting together with friends, family, and our community,” explains Dan.
Northwoods Barbecue?
Baptism River Barbecue’s menu is centered on locally-produced ingredients. Their produce, meats, the maple syrup in their barbecue sauces, and locally-harvested maple wood shape their distinctive menu options. “We call it ‘true Northwoods Barbecue’ since much of its flavor is due to the products that we are able to find in this region. You truly cannot get this combination anywhere else!” shares Dan. “This is the taste of the boreal forest of Minnesota’s North Shore.”
Grounded in the Baptism River
The Baptism River itself plays a big part in their story. Dan and Kaylee got engaged in 2018 at the High Falls on the Baptism River. After moving into their new home that fall they discovered 
a old snow mobile trail that leads right to the spot where they got engaged!
“Since living on the North Shore the Baptism River has been our ‘backyard.’ It’s the source of many of our favorite memories,” says Kaylee. “It only felt fitting to name our small business after it!”
Truly Local Bites
Kaylee and Dan’s favorite part of their business is the friendships they’ve formed both with customers and with local collaborators. Local partners include Yker Acres for pork, beef from Medicine Creek Farm, and chicken from Davis Acres Ranch.
These local partnerships are intentional. “We’re not trying to replicate barbecue from anywhere else. We celebrate Minnesota with every bite,” explains Dan. “The greatest joy in our business is feeding good food to good folks. We also love being able to build our business together as husband and wife.”
Baptism River Barbecue Co, a food truck, operates every weekend Friday-Sunday. Their usual spot is the Green Door in Beaver Bay. Check their 
website and social media for pop ups at events along the North Shore and occasional Twin Cities appearances.
Dan and Kaylee love learning how customers discover their Minnesota barbecue tradition. “We’re always surprised by the journeys some people make to find us. It’s the greatest compliment of the work we’re doing within our community,” shares Kaylee.
If you’re not lucky enough to live locally, plan your next trip up north around a stop at this weekly barbecue oasis.
Your tastebuds will thank you. A network of local businesses will thank you as well.
Eat Some Baptism River Barbecue!
Visit www.baptismriverbbq.com for current schedule, to buy unique merchandise, try their signature sauces and spice rubs, or to send a gift card for someone else to enjoy true Northwoods Barbecue! Smoked meats and sides are only available at their food truck.
Baptism River Barbecue is one of three makers you can meet at the January 18 Taste Makers Class at the MN Landscape Arboretum. They’ll celebrate 
Minnesota’s unique barbecue tradition while sampling smoke masters’ special meat selections.
Follow @baptismriver_barbecueco on Facebook and Instagram for menu updates and seasonal schedules.
Follow @meettheminnesotamakers on Facebook and Instagram for the food innovators who make Minnesota an amazing place to be!
