Kris Schoenberger - Station 51 BBQ

In this special edition of Kunes Car Convos, General Manager Jesse Hadam takes us for a ride with Kris Schoenberger from Station 51 in Antioch. Kris, a Round Lake Beach native and proud entrepreneur, shares his inspiring journey from cooking for friends to establishing a successful chain of restaurants in Lake County. This episode takes place in the powerful 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor, a fitting ride for a story filled with determination, resilience, and community spirit.

• 0:36 - 1:14 | Early Interest in Cooking
• 7:00 - 8:08 | Opening a Restaurant
• 9:00 - 9:58 | Learning to Barbecue
• 16:50 - 17:02 | Red Envelope Program
• 19:01 - 19:06 | Golden Ticket Dinner

Kris’ culinary story began in his kitchen, cooking for friends. What started as a casual offer to cater a wedding turned into an eye-opening event with 250 guests—his first big leap into the world of catering. As he navigated early hurdles, like buying supplies in bulk and learning on the job, his passion and dedication shone through. His mother encouraged him to pursue his dream, even proposing they start a catering company together. Together, they laid the foundation of what would eventually become Barbecue Productions.

The journey wasn’t easy; landlords were initially skeptical about leasing to a first-time restaurant owner. However, a few generous community members took a chance on Kris, setting him up with an affordable lease. His first restaurant space quickly filled with customers, and Barbecue Productions expanded beyond catering, evolving into a beloved local eatery.

Tragically, Kris’s mother, a significant source of inspiration, passed away just as their business was taking off. Her influence remains at the heart of everything he does, and he sees her as a guiding force in his success. Kris attributes much of his journey to the “angels” who helped him along the way, from his mother’s encouragement to supportive friends and mentors.

Community is at the core of Kris’s mission. His “Red Envelope Program” is a testament to this commitment, returning over $100,000 annually to loyal customers through discounts and prizes. Kris also goes above and beyond, organizing birthday celebrations for kids and giving back to locals in need.

Inspired by Willy Wonka, Kris created a “Golden Ticket Dinner” where guests can win extraordinary prizes like PS5s, TVs, and even side-by-side vehicles. The event is filled with excitement, as attendees have a real chance to walk away with incredible items, making it one of the most anticipated events for customers each year.

The restaurant industry is tough, and Kris has faced his share of challenges, from economic stress to online criticism. Despite setbacks, he draws strength from his community and his staff. “We’re not perfect,” he says, acknowledging that mistakes happen but emphasizing that his team is committed to doing their best and learning from each experience.

Kris’s growth from a self-described “Gordon Ramsay-style boss” to a supportive team leader highlights the transformative power of his journey. His love for his family and gratitude toward his employees are palpable. “My staff is everything,” he shares, crediting each team member, past and present, for their role in building the business.

The Kunes Car Convo with Kris Schoenberger is a reminder of the power of resilience, community, and a supportive network. Kris’s story is more than just a tale of business success; it’s a heartfelt journey filled with love for his community, passion for his work, and gratitude for those who believed in him.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and unique drives in future episodes of Kunes Car Convos. Whether you’re interested in powerful vehicles like the Ford Bronco Raptor or hearing about the incredible people in our communities, we’ve got you covered.