Community Advocate, People Enthusiast and Pitmaster

Carson Ashby is a natural born leader with big dreams. He is the second youngest to five siblings and was raised in Avalon Park. You probably know his father, Dan, who owns and operates BBQ50 at Marketplace.

Carson is a high school senior who is about to turn 18 and head to Valencia College to study accounting and finance while working full-time at BBQ50. His goal is to invest in property, expand BBQ50 state-wide with a unique client-centric focus. He is constantly researching food trends, customer experiences and strategic business transactions.

“Carson is the one at BBQ50 who makes dining memorable, said Jen Ashby, his mother. “He prepares and delivers food with a smile and always goes the extra mile asking people about their day and checking back half-way through their meal. He is laser focused on the guest experience and repeated business. He truly cares about people – not just the patrons here, everyone in the community in which he was raised.”

How it All Started

His parents recognized Carson’s strong leadership at a young age. In elementary school he was Patrol Officer and was the first one there, last one to leave. In middle school he joined the Recycle Club and was very dedicated to their weekly projects. He played in Magic Curtain and was in chorus the year they sang the National Anthem at a Braves spring training game.

As a sports enthusiast, Carson played youth tackle football for the East Orange Thunder and was a repeated MVP player as quarterback, wide receiver, and safety. When Carson entered High School, he was a pitcher and outfielder on the Babe Ruth travel baseball team. “I wasn’t the best player on the team, but I was the happiest,” he stated. “We won the World Series my freshman year and I will never forget it!”

The Pandemic Affected Us All in Different Ways

In 2020, during COVID-19, Carson tried LaunchEd but like most students discovered he couldn’t thrive in that type of learning environment. He decided to try Orange County Tech School across the street. And he is thriving there with tenacious drive. “During the pandemic I helped my family give back to essential workers by delivering donated catering to bring a smile to those who were on the frontlines,” Carson said. “During this time, I learned the finesse of presentation and how good it felt to give.”

Spirit Nights

An important event to Carson and spearheaded by a three pronged effort: Avalon Park Group, Marketplace and BBQ50, a spirit night every month takes place for the surrounding schools which rotates. A percentage of sales for each event is donated directly to the school or their respective charity/department where they need funding. The first Spirit Night was for Avalon Elementary School, and it attracted 600 families. “These spirit nights attract a lot of families, and we make it fun by having face painters, balloon stations and decorating in school colors, said Jen. “We hope to see it grow and stay here for years to come.”

There is No Smoke Without Fire

Carson is a young man who is ahead of this time. He is a lefty with a creative brain. He has what he calls “extreme ideas.” Carson’s future expansions encompass food trucks and pop ups along the coast with a touristy flair. He sees BBQ50’s brand in big cities like Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Daytona Beach. He also recognizes the importance of helping each community BBQ50 has a presence in.

“His brilliant two-pronged approach is certain to capture the attention of unwavering support of local investors,” said Dan Ashby, father. “He always carries his shoulders high and treats everyone equal. With Carson’s leadership we are sure to expand into a franchise as we build a great foundation fan-base and a diverse menu.”

What Carson Ashby Means to Rotary

Carson’s father, Dan, is an active member of Rotary who serves on the Board and is our 2020 Rotarian of the Year. We have supported Dan as he launched BBQ50 and have seen his family give back to the community in more ways than anyone will ever know. Our goal for this article is to support Dan and his future Rotarian son, to bring recognition to the Marketplace Spirit Nights and to highlight a local student. This aligns with our mission: For people to unite and take action to create lasting change, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Rotary, Opens Opportunities

Come join us each Wednesday morning @ 7:30 at the Pavilion located at 13401 Tanya King Blvd. Meet your neighbors, find out what Rotary is about and how you can Serve to change lives. For more information click on this link: Take Me There!