Quentin Keys II is the Founder and Owner of 75 South BBQ & Event Catering, a family business rooted in Southern tradition, faith, and a passion for bringing people together through food.

Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, Quentin relocated to Detroit, Michigan, in 2005. At 25, he knew he wanted to build a career around something he loved—one that would allow him to create a lasting legacy for his family.

That journey began in early 2015 at the corner of Six Mile and Barlow on Detroit’s East Side, where Quentin started selling smoked barbecue. Word quickly spread about his slowly smoked meats and Southern sides, which customers often said reminded them of their great-grandmother’s cooking. Their encouragement helped turn a passion into a purpose.

In 2016, Quentin decided to “step out on faith,” dedicating his time and energy to building 75 South BBQ & Event Catering. The name honors a childhood memory: after visits to Detroit, his father, Quentin Sr., would take Interstate 75 South to bring the family home to the Tampa Bay area. Today, that name represents the connection between Quentin’s Florida roots, his Detroit community, and the father who helped inspire his journey.

Quentin runs the business alongside his wife, Alysa, building a company grounded in family, hospitality, and food cooked from the heart. Together, they share a commitment to making every gathering feel special, from family celebrations to corporate events.

Guided by his motto, “No Risk…No Reward,” Quentin continues to build a legacy for their three children: Ezabella, Chancellor, and their newest addition, baby boy Hudson ’Lee. Whether the older children are helping in the “lab”—the family’s nickname for the kitchen—or watching their parents grow the business, family remains at the heart of everything they do.