LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Restaurants had to work hard and get creative to stay afloat over the past year. The owner of one of Louisville’s newest eateries is no stranger to taking chances.

What You Need To Know

  • Back Deck BBQ started as a food truck and is now a brick-and-mortar restaurant

  • Chan Nelson announced he was qutting his job and starting his own business on Facebook - he hadn't even spoken to his wife about it

  • Nelson says this dream has been years in the making

  • HIs restaurant officially opened June 18

On a mid-June evening, Chan Nelson stood outside his brand new restaurant and cut a ribbon in front of a couple dozen cheering friends. The group had been invited to be the first customers for the soft opening of Back Deck BBQ, south Louisville's newest restaurant.

Nelson's food truck is notorious for attracting long lines. (Back Deck BBQ LLC)

Despite the friendly crowd, the responsibilities of ownership came quickly once Nelson opened the doors.

"Who's got tab 15? We're changing this to takeout!" a server yelled as Nelson and his staff sliced smoked meat in the kitchen. The aroma drifted outside, onto Back Deck's back deck, where it was met with the smell of fresh lumber – another sign of a new beginning for both the building and its owner.

"This has been an eight-year journey," Nelson said proudly as he stood in front of his massive outdoor smoker.

Until now, Nelson would tow the once portable behemoth behind a graffiti-adorned bus and park it outside a partnering business. He would watch crowds gather, forming lines stretching around blocks.

Six years after buying the bus, he and his wife, Cherry, greeted guests to their brick-and-mortar operation.

"I told her six years ago or seven years ago that I was quitting my job and going full-time with a food truck," Chan recalled. "She lost her mind."

Speaking with Cherry shortly after, she had details to add to Chan's memory.

"He announced that on Facebook Live before talking to me about it," she smirked. "And I was standing at the end of the dining room table when he made the announcement and I was ready for him to get off of Facebook Live so I could talk about that, but it’s turned out OK."

Here Goes Nothing

Posted by Back Deck BBQ L.L.C on Monday, July 25, 2016

Chan Nelson – along with his exceedingly patient wife – is living his dream, the American dream, and he still has the same passion he had serving samples out of his home.

"Our goal is really just for people to keep that same feeling as if they’re on their back deck, just hanging out with friends and family – just eating and enjoying life, really," he said.

Back Deck Barbecue held its grand opening on June 18 and is located on West Kenwood Drive near Iroquois Park in Louisville.