BBQ, Bills, and the Brooklyn Hustle

Meghan Love, owner of Mable's Smokehouse

New York City: the land of endless possibilities, iconic bagels, and... sky-high overhead costs. For restaurant owners like Meghan, every month feels like an uphill battle against soaring rent, labor expenses, and repair bills that rival a Michelin-starred dinner tab.

We recently sat down with Meghan Love, owner of Mable’s Smokehouse, a roadside BBQ restaurant in Brooklyn, NY. With 15 years in the business, she’s no stranger to the grind. From building out her space with her husband to dreaming up her next venture—an oyster bar in Louisville, Kentucky—Meghan knows what it takes to bring a vision to life. But keeping the lights on in NYC? That’s a whole different ballgame.

The Overhead Olympics

“Overhead is a killer,” Meghan told us. In New York, rent, utilities, and labor are relentless. Add in maintenance—like cleaning grease traps and repairing 14-year-old equipment—and costs pile up faster than ribs at an all-you-can-eat special.

“Labor is tricky,” Meghan said. “You can’t just cut people loose during the slow months—you have to think long-term and keep your team together for when business picks up.” For Meghan, that means “eating the labor costs” during quiet times and budgeting to keep things in check. (A strategy as bold as her BBQ sauce, but it works!)

Have you faced similar challenges managing your overhead? We’d love to hear how you’re navigating costs—drop us a line and share your story!

Staying Relevant: The Constant Hustle

In NYC’s competitive restaurant scene, staying relevant is a full-time job. Meghan and her team lean into service and consistency, working tirelessly to deliver quality that keeps customers coming back.

Social media has also played a huge role in keeping her restaurant in the spotlight. After launching an all-you-can-eat ribs event and scoring a few influencer shoutouts, her following exploded by 6,000 fans in just days. (Pro tip: ribs aren’t just delicious—they’re Instagram gold.)

Tech: Love It or Leave It?

When it comes to technology, Meghan is pragmatic. While handheld devices weren’t initially a perfect fit for her brand, they’ve made a massive difference in streamlining service. “It took care of a lot of the lag time,” she said. Sure, there’s some awkwardness—like tipping in front of the server—but the benefits far outweigh the hiccups.

“I don’t think we’re going back,” she admitted. It’s a perfect example of how the right tech can balance tradition with modern efficiency. (Because let’s face it, a faster check-out process means happier customers and fewer impatient stares.)

Meghan’s Recipe for Success

Meghan’s journey isn’t just about managing costs—it’s about balancing grit, creativity, and heart. From building her dream BBQ joint to navigating NYC’s challenges, she’s proof that passion and adaptability can take you far—even when the odds are stacked against you.

Your Turn: Share Your Story

Have you faced similar challenges with overheads, tech, or staying relevant? Drop us a line—your story could be featured in one of our upcoming blogs. Together, we’ll keep finding ways to thrive in this incredible industry.