Growing up in Wyoming County, the heart of New York’s dairy & farming industry, Josh has a real appreciation for fresh food products. His family’s restaurants and their farms sparked a passion for carefully choosing sources of food. Josh’s dedication to sourcing and using the best fresh and local products is evident in his cooking. Josh went to culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami. He took the skills he learned from working in his family and other local restaurants and continued to develop them at J&W. After culinary school, Josh came back to Western New York and opened a catering business.

Underdog BBQ is a local and woman-owned restaurant located in Erie, PA that has been in operation for over two years. We offer more than just barbeque and love to get creative with non-traditional smoked options. Our scratch kitchen produces top notch quality food and flavors that are sure to please the crowd.

Through food, we tell stories of who we are. Food brings us together in the spirit of generosity and love, and I believe one must always cook and serve with soul, creativity, and love. It has been a blessing that I have been able to pursue a career that creates a product that brings people together. Born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt, I grew up influenced by a long line of home cooks, including my mother and grandmother. I have especially fond memories of cooking alongside a family in my childhood.