About
Meet the Man Behind the Smoke – Nicolas “Nick” Kemp. BBQ isn’t just food—it’s a whole experience. And for Nick, it’s personal.
The Story
Nick’s journey started as a teenager, watching his dad, uncles, big brothers, and cousins work the grill at family cookouts. But it was his big brother, Ron, who first put the tongs in his hands. The moment Nick started grilling, he never looked back.
Cooking always came naturally to him, but BBQ? That was love at first fire.
For Nick, BBQ was never just about the food—it was about the people, the gatherings, and the memories. It was about bringing folks together and creating those unforgettable moments that stick with you long after the last bite. But it wasn’t until his wife, Donya, pointed it out that he realized he wasn’t just some “regular degular guy” on the grill.
Watching people—not just family—devour his food and experience their first Grillgasm® (that deep, satisfied moan that only comes from next-level BBQ) sealed the deal.
Grillgasms® was born—a catering company dedicated to spreading love, flavor, and unforgettable BBQ experiences across Atlanta.
BBQ is an Art &
Nick is an Artist
Nick doesn’t just cook; he crafts and his BBQ doesn’t involve any shortcuts or gimmicks. It’s crafted with intention, patience, and his own secret ingreedynt™—love.
Taking inspiration from legends like Moe Cason, Kevin Bludso, Rasheed Philips, Rodney Scott, G. Garvin, Nigel Henderson, Emeril Legasse, & Alton Brown, he developed a hybrid approach to BBQ, blending styles from Kansas City, Memphis, South Carolina, and Texas—but always with his own personal flair.
His goal? Not to "elevate" BBQ, but to serve it the way it’s meant to be—authentic, soulful, and packed with flavor.
Every dish is built on Grillpower®—the ability to master fire, smoke, and seasoning to create something unforgettable. And if you ask him what represents him best? Brisket. Because like great BBQ, success takes dedication, patience, and a whole lot of love.
Accomplishments & Community Love
🔥 Semi-Finalist – Favorite Chef Competition
Out of thousands of chefs nationwide
🔥 Black Restaurant Week NOSH Competitor –
Served up brisket bites & smoked green beans
🔥 Atlanta Indie Market Vendor –
Sold out at his very first event
🔥 SpelHouse Tailgate BBQ Pitmaster –
The go-to tent for BBQ at one of ATL’s biggest homecoming events
The Legendary
SpelHouse Tailgate
One of the biggest events of the year? The SpelHouse Tailgate.
It all started when some of his fraternity line brothers, Benny, Larry, and George (shoutout to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. – Pi Chapter!) were hosting a homecoming tailgate tent. They remembered how fire his food was back in the day and asked if he’d be down to man the grill.
At first, Nick hesitated—he’d never done something that big. But his wife, Donya, was NOT about to let him doubt himself.
So, he showed up with his backyard grill and went to work. Before he knew it, he was surrounded by people moaning, groaning, licking their fingers, and pointing at their plates like they just had a religious experience.
Now? Folks come looking for The Tent, chasing that next Grillgasm®. And for Nick, that’s what it’s all about—bringing people together, one plate at a time.
