Imperial Valley native has something to prove about barbecue

Lack of women in BBQ was a challenge, one woman says - News 11's Wiley Jawhary reports

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - The lack of of women in barbecue did not stop one local woman from grilling all kinds of tasty foods, like steaks, kebabs and vegetables.

Eve Garinian saw the lack of women in BBQ as a challenge. Nonetheless, she was prepared to overcome that obstacle. She eventually found her business, Imperial Valley Grill Society.

Garinian says she discovered gender disparities in BBQ grilling. This led her to starting an all-girls grill team to compete in local cook-offs.

Last year, her team took home first place in the Brawley elks annual rib cook-off. Although Garinian was not the first in her family to be in the food industry, she would be the first to start a BBQ business. 

"As a woman, women in the industry, there are not that many of us in barbecue. The challenge was standing out against the guys," she said.

Garinian hopes to be an inspiration for young girls who have similar aspirations.

"Don't be afraid, if you have a passion for cooking, by a smoker, take courses, start at home," she added.