We are blessed with some fine BBQ establishments in Mid-Michigan. Each one is unique and has their own signature dish and sauce. Our friends at Saddleback BBQ are no exception.

When I start off by talking about a BBQ joint's deviled eggs, you know you're gonna have a good time.

Credit: McConnell Adams TSM Lansing
Credit: McConnell Adams TSM Lansing
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Their wings, equally to die for.

Credit: McConnell Adams TSM Lansing
Credit: McConnell Adams TSM Lansing
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And when they did their version of the rib sandwich to kind of mess with a big chain restaurant, people couldn't get enough. Look at that thing!

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We encourage you to support local restaurants whenever you can. Especially during this pandemic. However, Saddleback owner Travis Stoliker recently posted a piece on his restaurant's website taking on what I'm sure a lot of folks are using to get food from his establishment in the age of the pandemic.

Travis spoke up about how DoorDash and Grubhub are conspiring to "screw local restaurants".

And it's not so much about the delivery aspect of the business. And sure, he's got a contract with them. He explains all that in his article.

It's really all about when folks search for Saddleback BBQ and what happens after that.

He went into detail about how these two companies have worked with Google to in effect steal customers searching from them and other small businesses on the internet.

DoorDash pays Google an advertising fee to steal customers that are searching for our restaurant name “Saddleback BBQ” and they are redirecting them to their own page. From there a customer can purchase from any BBQ restaurant in Lansing or if the customer chooses to order from us we must pay DoorDash a fee for bringing us that customer.  (Saddleback BBQ)

He went on to say that Grubhub is just as guilty.

GrubHub does the same thing.  If you search for “Saddleback BBQ Hours” in Lansing you will get an advertisement from GrubHub.  If you search for “Saddleback BBQ Online Ordering”, once again, you will get an advertisement from GrubHub. (Saddleback BBQ)

So should you stop using these services when ordering from Saddleback BBQ?

The problem is that they are actively using our brand name to advertise to customers that are already looking for us. (Saddleback BBQ)

This is an amazing perspective from a local Lansing business owner and we really encourage you to read Travis' entire article HERE from Saddleback BBQ.

And more importantly, continue to support this great local restaurant. Maybe consider curbside pickup next time you order. Or reach out to Travis himself and ask him what you should do to continue to support them. travis@saddlebackbbq.com

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