Capitalizing on early success at Mike Royko’s Ribfest in Chicago, 1982, Dave created Sweet Baby Ray’s barbeque sauce that is now the best-selling barbecue sauce in the country.

Now owner of a multi-faceted business operation, Raymond owns barbeque two restaurants, “The Home of Sweet Baby Ray” in Wood Dale run with nephew, Duce, an Elk Grove Village location. He also is owner of two premier catering companies, True Cuisine & Sweet Baby Ray’s Catering.

Dave is the founder and President of the Illinois Barbecue Association and President elect of the National BBQ Association. Raymond also dedicates a substantial amount of his time to numerous charitable endeavors.