Derrick McCray carries on his family's BBQ legacy that spans nearly 100 years.

CEO and pitmaster Derrick McCray of McCray’s Backyard BBQ and Seafood gave CNBC’s Make it a history lesson on the rich backstory of his family business on August 31. He revealed his goal to take his mom-and-pop restaurant nationwide.

McCray, 60, explained that his great-uncle Jay Harvey started the BBQ business in West Palm Beach, Florida, opening its doors back in 1934. He shared how his father was made an “barbecue extraordinaire” by Uncle Jay, who was the only black restaurant business in the area during that time.

McCray also fondly remembered meeting some of the biggest names in civil rights activism in his family restaurant when he was growing up. He named Jesse Jackson, James Brown, and Isaac Hayes as a few of the people who would visit often due to his father being a leading civil rights activist in South Florida. However, McCray also recalled the danger that came with it, as the family business received bomb threats and death threats from the Klan.

When President Nixon’s War on Drugs was launched, it caused the family business to take a financial hit. Despite the hardship, McCray knew he had to keep the family business going. He said it was in his DNA to keep going, and that he wanted the McCrays to be like other big families who have secured generational wealth.

To restore the business, McCray made some changes and kept the same signature barbecue sauce and cooking technique. He was able to bring in $1.58 million in revenue in 2022, he serves politicians and musicians, and since 2007 has been a major vendor for the Super Bowl every year except for one.

McCray’s career change was a life-altering event. He was a student and football player at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, but due to partying, drinking, and other off-the-field activities, he failed a drug test and was sent back home.

McCray hopes his hard work sets an example for generations to come. He wants young people of color to know that there are other ways to make money than drugs, rap music, and sports. Through McCray’s Backyard BBQ and Seafood, he wants to bring the 89-year history into another 100 years.

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