In a metropolis the place barbacoa and breakfast tacos reign supreme, Bernard “Bun B” Freeman is carving out his personal culinary territory. The UGK legend, who helped outline Southern rap alongside the late Pimp C, has traded studio classes for sauce recipes, constructing Trill Burgers into Houston’s hottest meals idea.
The transition from microphone to menu wasn’t quick. Like many artists exploring enterprise ventures, Freeman initially questioned whether or not his musical experience might translate to hospitality. That uncertainty shortly dissolved when he reframed each industries by a service lens – entertaining crowds and feeding clients require the identical dedication to high quality and buyer satisfaction.
What began as an off-the-cuff collaboration with members of the family has advanced right into a reliable restaurant empire. Freeman’s companions approached him with their burger idea, and after one style, he knew they’d one thing particular. The second sampling confirmed it – this wasn’t simply one other celeb meals enterprise, however a product worthy of the Trill identify he’d spent many years cultivating.
He took time from his busy schedule to converse with rolling out managing editor Porsha Monique.
What impressed you to take that leap from hip-hop to hospitality, and the way was the concept of Trill Burgers fashioned?
I’m glad you requested as a result of initially, I didn’t suppose I had the appropriate expertise for the meals business. However after working within the enterprise and attempting to grasp the corporate dynamics, I noticed one thing vital – being an entertainer and being a restaurateur each exist within the service business. As soon as I reframed that relationship, I understood I had extra expertise than I’d given myself credit score for.
As for creating Trill Burgers, I used to be approached by my companions with this burger idea. It wasn’t totally my concept – my two companions introduced me this superb burger to strive. After the primary style, I believed it was unimaginable, however they refined it much more. Once they introduced it again, I knew we had among the finest burgers I’d ever had.
We frolicked attempting to determine what to name it – Bun’s Burgers, Buddy’s Burgers, all these completely different variations. However then I noticed, Trill has thirty years of fairness constructed into it. Why not switch that model recognition from music to meals? The identical requirements I demanded for our music, I demand for this meals. I wouldn’t put the Trill identify on simply an okay burger – this must be distinctive, and I stand behind that declare.
I simply had the burger and it was scrumptious. You could have some kind of particular sauce on there.
That’s our Trill sauce – it’s proprietary mental property, our secret sauce. What’s attention-grabbing is how my spouse contributes to each facet of this enterprise. After we stroll into conferences, we now have completely different assignments – I’m there to speak, she’s there to pay attention. I’m watching numbers and paperwork, she’s watching mannerisms and physique language.
I convey my spouse to all enterprise conferences as a result of she wants to grasp how the whole lot works. Folks will attempt to take benefit if she doesn’t know the enterprise inside and outside. She’s not simply my spouse on this firm – she’s a accomplice who brings a unique perspective to each choice.
My spouse brings alternatives to this enterprise the identical means she introduced inspiration to the studio. She’d inform me to make music that labored for various audiences, and now she helps us take into consideration our restaurant from varied angles.
Growth and future plans
We’re increasing thoughtfully. We now have our hen tender idea, Trill Tenders, which we’re presenting on the Houston Rodeo this 12 months. The plan is to have 4 Trill Burgers shops in Larger Houston by the tip of 2025, then broaden into different Texas cities and probably nationwide.
However we’re affected person – we’re in no rush. I might franchise shortly and stroll away with quick cash, however that’s not what we wish. We’re constructing this firm to retain its repute, high quality, and model integrity. I attempt to keep as concerned as doable as a result of I do know this firm can succeed, however I need to guarantee it grows the appropriate means.
What’s thrilling is that no one else is approaching the meals area fairly like we’re. We get to take inventive liberties whereas sustaining the requirements that made our music profitable. I make myself as obtainable as doable to this firm as a result of I imagine it can go far.
The Trill Burgers story represents greater than celeb entrepreneurship – it’s about making use of inventive integrity to enterprise ventures.
Freeman’s methodical strategy to growth, emphasis on household involvement, and unwavering high quality requirements recommend this Houston legend is constructing one thing designed to final nicely past the following album cycle.