Although native to Inola, Oklahoma, Ray started out grilling and smoking meat over 30 years ago in Ponca City, Oklahoma doing backyard barbeques for family and friends before moving to Allen in 1997.
Ray partnered with a friend and together they started a concessions and catering business. The concession business grew into what would become Ray's first experience in the restaurant business.
Ray and his family purchased Big Ray's BBQ, formerly known as C&B Barbeque and Catering, in January of 2011.