After publicity in May that a Food Paradise crew was filming at Just Q'in, owner Matt Cuff saw an instant increase in business at his Walnut Hills barbecue restaurant.
It could get even busier after the national Cooking Channel audience sees the Food Paradise segment at 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 21.
"I always thought that for our business to be part of the national barbecue conversation that we would need greater recognition," Cuff says. "Food Paradise and the Cooking Channel are giving us that opportunity."
"I'm excited by the validation that it gives to the hard work that our team is doing."
He's hosting a viewing party, open to the public, 8-11 p.m. July 21 at the restaurant at 975 E. McMillan St. Just Q'in will be one of six restaurants featured during the one-hour show.
Cuff, a former GE Aviation aerospace engineer, started Just Q'in as a weekend business in 2009. The restaurant, catering business, and food truck are now his full-time job.
On May 17, the restaurant closed all day for the Food Paradise taping.
"We saw an immediate uptick in our business after the filming and initial publicity," Cuff say. "The restaurant was super busy for several weeks."
Cuff says he never dreamed of being on national TV.
"My goal and dream isn't a national stage. It is literally the next person (customer) and making sure they have an outstanding experience. The rest will take care of itself," he says.
The Cooking Channel description for Wednesday's "Smokin' " episode doesn't mention Just Q'in or Cincinnati. It says:
Food Paradise reveals the very best barbecue smokin' across America. There are down-home dishes like spareribs and sausages as well as brand-new mindblowers like brisket mac and cheese and a smoky sandwich so big it's called the Leaning Tower of Texas.
"Smokin' " repeats at 2 a.m. Thursday, July 21.
Food Paradise debuted in 2007 on the Travel Channel. It moved to the Cooking Channel in 2019 and Food Network in 2020. All three are owned by Discovery Inc.
