In the heart of Lewiston, Idaho, a small family-owned barbecue business is making a big impact, one smoked brisket at a time. Owned and operated by Rich and Tammy Adamson, Missy Moo’s Bar-B-Que is a tribute to service, community and the pursuit of passion.

The company is also one of the first vendors in a new Lewiston food court, with plans to expand as more restaurants join.

Rich and Tammy share their insight on how to grow a small business through family, flavor and a love for great barbecue.

“We’re a small, family-owned barbecue business that’s proud to serve the Lewiston community. We’re veteran- and first-responder-owned, and we deeply appreciate the people who make this town what it is. That’s why we offer discounts to veterans and first responders — because we believe in giving back to those who’ve served.”

“We’ve spent the last 20 years learning and experimenting with different styles of barbecue, including a course at a BBQ Pit Master School in Georgia. We’re committed to Southern-style, from-scratch recipes that take time and care to perfect.”

“Our barbecue journey started long before we opened our business. It began around campfires, birthday parties and holiday gatherings with family. These moments were more than just meals; they were opportunities to experiment, learn, and share.”

“Over the years, Rich became the go-to person for cooking at family events, always eager to try new techniques and flavors. Our family and friends were our biggest supporters and taste-testers, encouraging us to take our passion to the next level.”

What makes your barbecue experience unique compared to other options in your market?

“What makes us stand out is our commitment to authenticity and quality. We’ve carved out a niche by focusing on true, from-scratch Southern-style BBQ. Slow cooking for hours helps bring out deep, rich flavors that can’t be rushed.”

“Our dedication has earned us a loyal following, with over 1,900 social media followers and repeat customers who rave about our food. One of the most meaningful compliments came from a customer from Georgia who told us, ‘What you do is magic.’ That kind of feedback reminds us why we do what we do.”

How did an SBA loan help your company?

“Our SBA loan was essential in getting our business off the ground. We approached several banks, but most turned us down because we didn’t have years of business experience or a proven income stream. Zions Bank was different because they believed in our vision from the start.”

“Thanks to the loan, we were able to cover early expenses, including a custom-made trailer built in Nampa, Idaho, and a smoker for our barbecue setup. The process with Zions Bank was smooth, and it gave us the momentum we needed to launch our business.”

What guidance do you have for other small business owners?

“Think the process through and do your homework, especially when it comes to the financial side. Building a solid foundation from the start makes everything else easier. We visited several banks before finding the right fit, and honestly, starting with Zions Bank would have saved us a lot of time.”

“Connecting with your customers is also key. We’ve seen a lot of success through posting live videos and behind-the-scenes content. Our daughter likes to post videos on social media that break down how to prep, clean food and even how to get kids involved in the process. It’s all about creating a community around your business.”

Why did you choose to work with Zions Bank?

“Tammy had known our banker, Cari Miller, for years and trusted her guidance. Starting a business can be overwhelming, especially when you're learning everything from scratch. Zions Bank helped us bring down hurdles and navigate the startup process.”

Looking for a bank that’s invested in your future and can help you reach your financial goals?  Zions Bank’s team of relationship managers can provide small business success strategies as well as funding options, including U.S. Small Business Administration loans. Visit a local Zions Bank branch to learn more.