Tyrone Hopkins
"I QUE BBQ is a place where everyone from our community gathers to enjoy great food while hanging out with wonderful people."
About I QUE BBQ
Founded with a vision to be more than a restaurant, I QUE BBQ was created as a gathering place for the community—where great food, genuine connection, and service come together.
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Tyrone Hopkins is the co-owner and pitmaster of I QUE BBQ in La Mesa, California. Raised in Georgia, Tyrone learned the art of barbecue at a young age, cooking alongside his father and drawing inspiration from a family deeply rooted in Southern culinary tradition. His passion for food is grounded in patience, craftsmanship, and hospitality.
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Before opening I QUE BBQ, Tyrone spent years in education as a Dean of Students and championship-winning basketball coach, where he developed a strong commitment to mentorship and community leadership. That background continues to shape I QUE BBQ’s mission today leading with the belief that barbecue has the power to bring people together and strengthen neighborhoods.
