Customer Appreciation Letters
January 31, 2006
Justin,
The pieces look awesome! We can't wait to get it all setup! I did get your fax plus your voice mail clarifying the additional step-down from the chinmey - it looks good!
Thanks for the help of everyone on your team!
Mark Kervin
July 28, 2005
Justin,
Thanks for making this happen - and for figuring out how to get it into my house & though ...... it is beautiful!
Teresa Holleman
March 13, 2003
To whom it may concern,
As a very satisfied customer, I felt compelled to take some time and document our satisfaction and provide whatever support I may be able to
contribute to the BBQ Hut owner, Fred Hunter. This letter is an unsoliced effort to show our appreciation for a job well done!
I had searched for a product that provided something a bit more conventional, that could be moved if necessary and something that had a traditional
understated elegance to our backyard at an affordable cost. I had met with other companies that provided the usual beehive variety of a couple
standard models. I met Fred at the Home and Garden Show and immediately was attracted to his product as well as his "I can meet your needs" attitude
that he exuded that day. It was clear to me that he truly cares about customer service and satisfaction.
Our meeting was detailed, enjoyable and informative. We were able to negotiate an agreement that day and despite a very short time frame, holiday
schedules and weather conditions, Fred and his crew were able to keep their word and deliver the first stage of the project as promised. As the
project grew to fruition, there was some obstacles that needed to be worked out and again, Fred and his crew worked diligently to find solutions
that provided satisfaction to us as their customer.
We are very pleased with the end result and as we continue to enjoy our new outdoor entertainment area, we are reminded to Fred's commitment,
integrity and tenacity. I have enclosed a few photographs that may be used for portfolio purposes if desired.
We feel fortunate to have met Fred Hunter and all involved with the BBQ Hut.
Sincerely,
Sandi Lien and Kevin Lien
September 2, 2003
I just want to let everyone know about the great service we obtained from the BBQ Hut. We purchased an island counter and a propane unit to put
in it. They did an excellent job of building the unit and we're extremely happy with how it turned out.
If you are considering installing any type of BBQ, be sure to check out the BBQ Hut.
John Yantus
Dear Shayne & Mick,
When I first started looking around for backyard Islands and bbq's I was sold on
doing some sort of masonry construction structure. Then I met you at the home and garden
show, your quality and creative designs really attracted my wife and myself. We then
went home and looked at different options that we didn't really know we had. All we got
from everyone else was "you don't want that". We didn't get that from you and my
wife really liked what you had to offer, that alone made my decision even easier. We
have never been more pleased with a single purchase for our backyard adventure (I'll
call it an adventure because that is what I think it is). All of our neighbors really like the
bbq and we will highly recommend you to anyone looking to do a bbq or island. Thank
you again for building our bbq island with the highest standards that you claimed.
Tim & Nancy Walsh
Dear Shayne,
T had to write to thank you so much for coming over here and installing our grills on a
friday evening at quitting time. You and your assistant went far above and beyond the
call. I just want you to know how much I appreciated it (and my husband too!) When I
skeptically asked you if you could install the grills at the moment I was talking to
you on the phone, I never expected to get a "yes". You guys hustled over here and
quickly and efficiently got us up and grilling, much to my surprise and delight. You will definitely
get my recommendation for anyone looking for grills, islands, etc. In my experience
(and there's been more than I care to mention), this kind of service is a rarity. Thank
you so much to you and your assistant you taking time out of your friday evening so that
we could selfishly start grilling right away.
My sincerest gratitude,
Vickie Rayson
Dear Shayne & Mick,
It is a delight to have one of your bbq island creations at my new house, it makes
cooking steak and total pleasure. I especially like the ceramic tile, its a very classy touch.
Quality construction, great looks and killer steaks- no wonder all my friends want to come
over now, thanks for everything.
David & Valerie Schwinghamer
Shayne,
I would like to say how delighted we were with our island and grill. I was very pleased with the
way Debbie and I were treated as a customer. Your set-up and delivery people were very helpful. I
will definitely recommend you to others!
THANKS AGAIN
Robert
PS: Can I get a warming rack for the grill?
April 25, 2002
Mr. Fred Hunter
BBQHut
6070 W. Behrend Dr. Suite 141
Glendale, Az 85308
Dear Fred,
I normally do not take the time to write letters in regard to something I purchase,
however in this case it was warranted. Prior to making our final decision about which
BBQ unit to purchase we checked out several of your competitors. We even went next door
to the Home Depot to look at their custom build units. While their price was cheaper,
the quality of their unit was clearly inferior to your units. Weighing the factors of
price, design, quality of construction, grill style and features, it was clear that
the BBQHut unit was a much better value.
Yesterday your delivery crew came by to setup the new BBQ I purchased. They were very
polite and did a professional job with the installation. My wife and I were pleased
how well the unit fit into our landscaping decor. Last night we fired up the BBQ and
grilled our first meal on it. What a pleasure it was to utilize the professional style
grill and have a great cooking experience. To say the least the steaks were cooked to
profection, I may have had a little to do with it. We are planning a BBQ with our
neighbors this weekend and I know that when they see our new BBQHut unit I am sure they
will be down to see you. We will be recommending the BBQHut to all our friends.
Thanks for a great buying experience and pass on our thanks to the crew.
Sincerely,
Paul Dombrowski
June 2, 2002
Shayne Williams
BBQ Hut
13023 No. Cave Creek Road
Phoenix, AZ 85022
Dear Shayne Williams:
I write to express our delight with the container which your firm built for our barbecue. For we are
very happy with the appearance and, also, very happy with its use.
I will add, also, that your installation crew - headed by Michael - is a very professional crew.
So you must be pleased to have them representing your firm.
In taking my leave herein, permit me to wish you a good day.
Very respectfully,
J. Michael Yeager
Shayne,
Quite an experience we had at the Home Show this weekend. We looked at every BBQ display and talked
with so many different people and they all had "the best product and deal". When we visited your
display we were treated with absolute respect and were not treated as though we didn't have a clue.
There wasn't a question that went unanswered and were explained in detail each of your island and
grill options. Your islands were second to none. We feel we got an excellent product for our money.
We have already referred you to some friends and they are excited to contact you.
You and BBQ Hut are bringing to new heights. When we finish our landscaping we will send you a
picture. Thank you for your honesty and a GREAT product.
Al & Kim Moore
Outdoor kitchens put cooking en plein air within reach
November 3, 2001
by Geri Koeppel
TRIBUNE
Gabriel Duran of Ahwatukee Foothills baked a chocolate cake on his grill last summer.
"Since we got this (barbecue), it is so carefree that we don't cook any meals in the house,"
he said.
Duran is one of a growing number of homeowners to invest in an outdoor kitchen area as opposed
to just a simple rolling grill. "Within the last two or three years, I've seen it occurring in the
mainstream housing," said Sam Haymart of [i]PLAN, a Mesa architectural firm. "Outdoor lifestyle is
part of the definition of living in the Phoenix area."
Once the province of wealthy owners of custom homes, outdoor cooking spaces are becoming affordable
for the average homeowner. In a new home, a built-in outdoor kitchen costs an extra $3,000, but it's
a price people are willing to pay to enjoy the Valley's weather.
And many, like Duran, are buying
portable barbecue islands from places such as BBQ Hut in Phoenix, which will open branches in
Ahwatukee Foothills and Arrowhead next year. The store has an on-site manufacturing facility for
customizing islands for size, components and aesthetics.
Duran cooks pasta outside on the spare burner because it's quicker to boil water and doesn't heat up the house. He puts a prime rib on the spit, claiming it rivals meals at some of the finest restaurants in town for a fraction of the price.
"This will pay for itself over time in energy savings and the cost of going out," he said.
And, having an outdoor cooking area "keeps the whole mess outside," Heymart said. There's no more letting bugs in or running in and out with wet feet from the pool.
BBQ Hut's prices start at $759 for a charcoal grill and island and $999 for a gas or propane grill and island. Owner Shayne Williams said 95 percent of sales are for gas or propane, and the price for an average setup is about $2500 to $3000. The most expensive model he's installed ran about $40,000.
Duran's 3-foot-by-7-foot propane unit, which cost about $3,500 is topped with Tecate Mexican to match his patio, and has a side burner and an access door underneath for storage. The stucco base was painted to match his home.
Cindy Todare of Paradise Valley also bought her outdoor kitchen from BBQ Hut. Her 27-foot island features a sink, a pull-out drawer with a cooler for ice and cold drinks, a pull-out garbage can, a seating section and a 53-inch Viking grill. "It's just pure convenience to be able to cook outside," she said.
Other luxuries people can include with their setup: An attached eating surface of either bar height or table height, custom tile mosiacs, beer taps, built-in smokers, small refrigerators, and wet bars with condiments trays.
"We've put dishwashers in, we've put icemakers in," Williams said.
Countertops can range from natural stone or porcelain tile to granite. BBQ Hut will also install beehive or manor fireplaces, do landscaping and help with design.
When customers come in, Williams tries to tailor an island to their needs. "The first question I ask," he said, "is 'What you are looking for in your barbecue? Are you a gourmet cook or Joe Barbecue?"
The average homeowner will probably just need a basic design with a grill, side burner and countertop, while amateur chefs may want more bells and whistles. Most people don't add sinks, Williams said, because of the hassle of running a water line to the unit.
If the homeowners move, Williams said, they can take an island with them, just as they would a portable spa.
Barbeques come in black or stainless steel, While stainless steel appliances are trendy now, they cost 35 percent to 40 percent more for the same quality grill and require more maintenance to keep them looking their best, Williams said. "Black takes less work, but you don't have that high-end look," he said. The black grills they sell are porcelain-dipped, not painted, and won't blister or peel in the sun.
As far as maintenance, natural stone tops such as granite, slate or flagstone need to be sealed regularly just as an inside countertop would, Williams said. The stucco base will need a new coat of paint as often as the house needs it. BBQ Hut uses modified latex additive grout on the tile-top counters, which is frost-proof so the unit can be moved to a cooler climate if desired.
Some home improvement stores and pool retailers also sell portable grill islands, though design and color choices can be limited. Still, it underscores the fact that outdoor kitchens are becoming affordable and mainstream.
"Outdoor living is nothing new," Haymart said, "but there are new ways of doing it."
