“Veteran-owned. Woman-run. Family operated. BBQ done right.”
Hey BBQ Fam!
We know it's getting cold out, so lets take a moment to remember this past summer, where BBQ brought people together in unforgettable ways. Here are some of the moments that remind us why we do what we do
BBQ isn’t just food. It’s comfort, connection, and celebration on a plate. This summer, our catering team had the honor of being part of some incredible moments: weddings, birthdays, corporate lunches, team appreciation events, graduations, and even a product launch. But three events really reminded us why catering changes everything for our clients (and why we love what we do).
An MIT Wedding That Felt Like Them At the MIT Sailing Pavillion, we catered the wedding of a couple who met in college at MIT. Our team handled everything from the rentals to the food. Passed apps, buffet dinner, dessert, and drinks (complete with a cocktail and mocktail created just for the bride and groom). The bride and groom told us it was “perfect and felt just like us.” That’s the goal every time: to let couples actually enjoy their day while we take care of the details (and make sure no guest leaves hungry).
Honoring a Life Well Lived We were trusted to cater a celebration of life for a father and husband who loved well and was deeply loved in return. His daughter told us how much it meant to have knowledgeable support throughout the planning process (plus great food). We were honored to hold space for a family when it mattered most.
A 9/11 First Responder Lunch For 9/11, Rapiscan brought us in to serve the Andover Fire Rescue. As a veteran-owned business, it meant a lot to honor local heroes with BBQ, peach + blueberry crumble, and vanilla ice cream. We’re still not sure which got more cheers—the brisket or the dessert—but we do know everyone felt full and appreciated.
Image courtesy of Andover Fire Rescue
Whether it’s a wedding, a memorial, or a corporate lunch, catering is more than a meal. It’s peace of mind, more time with the people who matter, and food your guests won’t stop talking about.
Dates for the holidays and 2026 are already filling up (especially corporate holiday parties and 2026 weddings!). If you’re thinking about hosting, let’s talk today.
As always, we want to thank you for being part of the Code 1 family. Let’s fire up something great, together.
Did you know? Chef Erica is also an author and public speaker...
Erica, known as The Voice of Resilience, is a powerhouse entrepreneur, speaker, author, and co-owner of Code 1 BBQ in Wilmington, MA—a Texas-inspired barbecue restaurant and catering company she runs alongside her husband. But her journey didn’t begin with success. She grew up poor, homeless, and surrounded by instability, trauma, and adversity that could have broken her spirit. Instead, she turned her pain into purpose.
Erica spent years battling imposter syndrome and self-doubt, questioning whether she was ever meant for more. Through grit, hard work, and relentless determination, she rewrote her story, one bold and scary decision at a time. She poured herself into personal growth, leadership, and learning how to build something that mattered, both in her life and in her community.
Today, she’s not only the boss behind one of the most talked-about BBQ joints north of Boston, but also a sought-after motivational speaker and the voice behind the movement that’s helping others break generational cycles. Erica knows firsthand what it takes to rise from nothing and build a life of abundance. And she doesn’t hold back when it comes to telling the truth about the work it requires.
Her upcoming book, Stop Asking Why Me and Start Asking Why Not Me, dives deep into the inner game of overcoming fear, shame, and limitations to step into your power. With her no-nonsense approach and unapologetic fire, Erica teaches others how to reclaim their voice, build with what they have, and stop waiting for permission to rise.
Whether she’s commanding a kitchen, a stage, or a room full of change-makers, Erica shows up with authenticity, heart, and a whole lot of hustle. She’s living proof that where you come from doesn't determine where you get to go.
Thank you for joining us on our journey! Have a beautiful week.
