Erik Hoover, a Portage County native and a classically trained chef, opened Cockeye BBQ in 2015 with his wife and sons.

Every one of our members is unique and so are their stories. Each week, the Group Member Spotlight takes a behind-the-scenes look at one of our group/business sponsorship members to showcase their story of who they are and what they do!

This week’s spotlight is….

Erik Hoover, a Portage County native and a classically trained chef, opened Cockeye BBQ in 2015 with his wife and sons. What began as a hobby of hosting backyard BBQs and catering graduations, weddings and parties grew to a size that was just too big for their garage. With the money they saved doing what they loved, they purchased a building and opened Cockeye offering old-style smokehouse BBQ, specializing in beef brisket, chicken, pulled pork and pork ribs. Stop and visit for old-style, slow-cooked BBQ and check out their menus special for sandwiches and sides made to order.

As their business grew they expanded to include the award-winning Cockeye Creamery. The ever-changing flavors are made fresh daily with the finest ingredients from local sources. From the classics to innovative ones, the range of flavors will not disappoint. The creamery is run by Erik’s son, Max, who is there every day and loves to hear what flavors the customers love and what they think they should try next. Stop in to see their rotating cast of over 300 flavors and try their award-winning, small-batch ice cream served on homemade waffle cones, sundaes, or in a milkshake.

Visit their websites for Cockeye BBQ and Cockeye Creamery to learn more, look at their menu, or to book them to cater your event. You can also visit Cockeye BBQ on Facebook, Instagram, or on Twitter.

This story was originally published on the Ohio Farm Bureau’s website.