Job Interview Turns into Storybook Ending for Ashley Messenger

Photo of Ashley Messenger

An SBA National Pride Month Success Story

ERIE, Pa. –  Ashley Messenger’s job offer eventually played out on national television.

“When I accepted, it was the scariest thing in my life,” she stated.

Months after landing the kitchen manager position at Underdog BBQ, she got the entire restaurant for a mere $100. “I had a better chance of winning the lottery than this happening to me,” she happily said. “When then-owner Glenn Stearns spoke with me, I actually thought he was looking for industry guidance, instead he was really vetting potential new owners. Glenn believed in me and trusted me to take over.”

Messenger, now 30, didn’t hesitate purchasing the storied venue as part of the television series “Undercover Billionaire.” The 2019 show chronicled Stearns’ journey in Erie, Pennsylvania as he strived to build a million-dollar business in 90 days with no contacts and only $100  to his name. His success partly depended on Messenger, her brother and numerous team members – all of whom eventually received job offers or bonuses. During the season finale, Stearns explained: “They say the cream rises to the top and that was Ashley, she made a big impression on me.”

Messenger, who identifies as a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) community, believes in herself as well. “The biggest thing I want people to know is we’re all inclusive at Underdog BBQ,” she emphatically added. “I’m not ashamed and am comfortable in my skin and hope people understand that’s just a small part of me. My business, team, brand, and the food we serve is so much bigger.”

Messenger was no stranger to the startup eatery, working there from the get-go behind the scenes. She quickly followed the footsteps of her predecessor and mentor and immediately began working with the Gannon University Small Business Development Center (SBDC). SBDCs are U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)- and state-funded entities helping entrepreneurs with no-cost counseling in every phase of development “I meet with Director Maggie Horne and the team each week,” she said. “They help me expand my mind and work through transitions. I always feel better when I walk out of there and I’m glad the SBA is inclusive and provides the opportunity for everyone to start a small business.”

The SBDC became an invaluable asset the moment Messenger purchased the restaurant. “There was a severe snowstorm and we actually had to close,” she explained. “Because of that, we had a slower start, but I used that down time to create different revenue streams, like purchasing a used fire truck serving as a vehicle for both off-site catering and a food truck. Now, we’re booked through the summer and taking reservations for next year.”

Messenger is striving to grow Underdog BBQ’s social media presence, customer base , tourist market share and expansion opportunities. She not only worked with center counselors but also with a local small business social media firm.

SBA Western Pa. District Director Dr. Kelly Hunt said both consumers and the community benefit when small business owners create informal partnerships. “Working together creates an entrepreneurial ecosystem that truly fosters growth and fuels new ideas,” she explained. “The end result is an economic ripple that creates more Main Street business, employment opportunities and economic growth and a sense of place.”

One year after that surprise of a lifetime, Messenger is hard at work adding her own ingredients to the locally famous barbecue bistro. She’s mixed up the menu with a burger and salad selection and initiated an Underdog to-go service for fans to enjoy the smoked selections in the scenic Lake Erie area.

Cooking since age 15 and holding degrees from Mercyhurst College in both culinary arts and hospitality management, Messenger blends that experience into every facet of small business ownership. She can be found rising early – from working the barbecue pit, to whipping up scratch-made signature sides in the kitchen, to taking orders and interacting with customers. “That’s important to me because I want to make sure everyone here is happy,” she added.

She and her team also are busy creating a new line of signature sauces. “I’ve been pairing different combinations like raspberry and chipotle and rotate the new lines on tables along with our signature sauces,” she explained. “I want to give our customers the chance to offer feedback.”

Messenger says the kitchen serves as her second home.

“I went through some tough times in my teen years and started cooking,” she revealed. “It became a comforting and creative outlet form me. And I noticed people come together over food.”

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

This article does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the SBA of any opinions, products, or services of any private individual or entity.