Meet Maurice “Mo” Stewart | Just a BBQ dude

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maurice “Mo” Stewart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maurice “Mo”, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process was centered around creating a sense of community and togetherness through food — something I feel is becoming more rare, especially here in California. Often when we dine out, the experience tends to be more transactional or confined to the group we came with. But barbecue is different. It has a way of breaking down barriers — it’s less formal, more inviting, and it naturally brings people together. I wanted to build a business that fosters those connections, where people gather not just to eat, but to share an experience, meet new folks, and feel a genuine sense of community, because that’s me and my personality in a nutshell.

What should our readers know about your business?
It might sound cliché, but this journey has truly been brick by brick. And honestly, I still feel like I’m just getting started. My ultimate goal is to make this my full-time career — to be able to do barbecue consistently, day in and day out. That’s the dream I’m building toward.

I’ve made it to this point by staying committed to learning and refining my craft — rooted in Texas-style barbecue, but with my own personal and family-inspired twist. I believe what sets me apart is a combination of factors. I bring over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, which has taught me the importance of staying connected to your guests — they are the heartbeat of any business. Along with that, I’m deeply focused on attention to detail and always cooking with love. Those three things — guest experience, detail, and heart — are what drive everything I do.

This journey hasn’t been easy — but then again, neither is life. You have to embrace the process. I’ve learned to overcome challenges by asking questions, leaning on others for support, knowing my limits, and understanding that it’s okay to ask for help when needed. And above all, never giving up.

What I want the world to know about me and this brand is simple: when you come to one of my pop-ups — or eventually, my restaurant — it’s going to be more than just a meal. It’s going to be an experience. You might show up for the food at first, but you’ll keep coming back because of how the place made you feel. That sense of community, connection, and vibe — that’s what I’m most proud to create.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ll be honest — between running the business and family life, I don’t get out as much as I’d like because we’re usually grinding away. But I definitely have a list of spots in Long Beach alone that I’d love to show off. The beauty of Long Beach is that you really don’t have to go far to have a good time — the city has so much to offer.

If I had a friend visiting for a week, we’d definitely spend a lot of that time exploring here locally. We’d start by hitting some of the great coffee shops and breakfast spots in the city — places like Right Mealz or my neighborhood donut shop, Circle donuts. We’d work in a visit to the Long Beach waterfront, maybe rent bikes and cruise down the beach path near shoreline where I use to manage at Yard House and grab a half Yard.

Of course, we’d check out some of the local breweries and food spots — Long Beach has an incredible craft beer and food scene. We’d hit spots like Trademark, Riley’s and all the spots 2nd street has to offer or walk to District 4 pizza near our house, and maybe sneak in a visit to one of the local speakeasies like Blind Donkey or the recently opened Sky room if we want to dress up for a cocktail.

At some point during the week, I’d try to grab tickets to a Dodgers or Lakers game and take a little trip up to LA. And if we really wanted to stretch the legs a bit, maybe take a day or two and head down to San Diego to enjoy the beaches down there and check out the vibe.

Overall, my goal would be to give them a mix of great food, great drinks, local culture, and a chance to see why I think Long Beach — and SoCal in general — is such a special place.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my grandmother, Dorthy Stewart. She raised me and was the one who truly instilled in me a love for cooking. I also owe a great deal to my late grandfather, who taught me the value of grit and hard work — qualities that are absolutely essential in any industry, but especially in one as labor-intensive as barbecue.

I’m endlessly grateful for my beautiful family, who motivate me every single day to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things get.

I also want to acknowledge my original business partner, Brandon, who helped get this whole journey started with me. He was the one who came up with the name “Brothers Keeper” — back when we were first calling it “Mac & Mo Smoke.”

And finally, a huge thank you to the people who continue to support me — the community and all the loyal customers who show up time and time again. Honestly, if it weren’t for their belief in me and their constant support, I probably would have given up by now. Their continued presence at my pop-ups reminds me that there is real demand and real love for what I’m doing, and that keeps me going.

Website: https://www.Brotherskeeperbbq.com

Instagram: Brothers_keeperbbq

Yelp: https://yelp.to/mjtp6TWBn7

Youtube: Brothers_keeperbbq