Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Jessup.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Clyde Cooper founded our restaurant January 1st of 1938. Our business has remained in Downtown Raleigh ever since. We will be moving out of Downtown Raleigh beginning of 2026, however. Clyde Cooper was a man of integrity, and during a time where segregation was still prominent, he believed that everyones money was green and every one deserved equal treatment. Cooper’s BBQ has remained a place where people from all walks of life can come together and eat. We are third generation owners, however my mom, Debbie Wray, who i co own the business with, knew Clyde well and actually used to run the business when he was still alive. He would come and sit with her and talk and share stories and recipes.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Business was very smooth until Covid hit and the riots happened in Downtown Raleigh, destroying some businesses around us. Since Covid, many people are still working from home. For us, our business thrived feeding the office workers during lunch. Parking has been a struggle for our current location, and so many people choose not to venture into Downtown Raleigh because of it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In the restaurant business, it is important for the owner/manager to be able and willing to do any job needed. That being said, I manage the business, book and handle caterings, coordinate events, wait tables when needed, help out on caterings, fulfill orders, cook, etc. I also handle all of our nationwide shipping. In the restaurant business, I am a jack of all trades. I have learned to be that by working here since i was 15 years old along side my mom. I also have a degree in graphic design so i utilize that talent in creating all of our graphics from our menus to our t shirts and merch.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
The people. I love being able to brighten someones day whether that means just remembering their name, their normal order, their dietary needs, or their favorite menu item. It really is the little things in life that can bring the biggest smiles to someones face and it warms my heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clydecoopersbbq.com
- Instagram: @clydecoopersbbqraleigh
- Facebook: Clyde Cooper’s BBQ
