In its first year of operation, Sarlie’s Sweet Heat BBQ completed more than 50 catering events, experienced consistent revenue growth, and developed a growing base of repeat customers. Local business owner, Charlie Mullis IV, launched the business after an unexpected career transition, turning a longtime dream into a growing company with support from the Stanly Community College’s Small Business Center.
Before launching Sarlie’s Sweet Heat BBQ, Mullis found himself at an unexpected turning point in his career. The change gave him an opportunity to consider what he wanted to do next and revisit his longtime goal of starting a business.
“In April 2025, after 12 years with the same company, we parted ways,” Mullis said.
Although he initially felt uncertain about what would come next, Mullis began viewing the transition as an opportunity to pursue something he had always wanted to do. By summer 2025, he had turned his passion for barbecue into Sarlie’s Sweet Heat BBQ, a licensed catering business based in Stanfield, N.C.
Mullis launched the company with the goal of providing high-quality smoked barbecue and catering services throughout the community. He soon discovered, however, that there was much more to the process than simply providing food.
“I quickly realized that producing a great product was only one piece of the puzzle,” Mullis said.
As a new business owner, Mullis needed to learn how to structure and operate the company, manage its finances, and create a business plan. He also faced the challenge of finding customers and developing effective advertising and marketing strategies that could generate consistent business.
Mullis began working with the Stanly Community College’s Small Business Center in June 2025, receiving individualized counseling and business startup training. The support helped him establish clear business goals, develop operational processes, and create practical strategies for growth.
Taking what he learned from the Center, Mullis fielded his Employer Identification Number, made connections, and officially launched his own business. As Sarlie’s Sweet Heat BBQ grew, the company gained visibility on social media and through word-of-mouth referrals, leading to more catering opportunities and returning customers.
During its first year, Sarlie’s Sweet Heat BBQ completed more than 50 catering events. The company also increased its revenue and social media engagement while building a growing collection of positive customer reviews and referrals.
“The [SCC] Small Business Center provided valuable guidance during the early stages of building Sarlie’s Sweet Heat BBQ,” Mullis said. “The mentoring, business planning assistance and financial education helped me better understand what it takes to operate a successful business. The knowledge and support I received gave me confidence to grow the business, attract customers, and continue pursuing new opportunities.”
Today, Sarlie’s Sweet Heat BBQ continues to grow through catering events, farmers markets, community involvement, and a growing customer base. Mullis remains committed to serving the community with quality food and professional service while pursuing new opportunities for the business.
Stanly Community College’s Small Business Center supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by providing training, counseling and resource information. For more information about the center and its services, call 704.991.0355 or visit www.stanly.edu/about/small-business-center.
Learn more about Sarlie’s Sweet Heat BBQ: Sarlie's Sweet Heat BBQ | sarliesbbq@gmail.com | 704.953.9967 | Facebook