Episode 35 - Meat, Passion, and Perseverance: The Story Behind The Rib Man
Posted by Emma on 23rd Nov 2019
Mark Gevaux, better known as The Rib Man, has an extraordinary story that captivates foodies and entrepreneurs. In this episode of The Ceres Podcast, host Stelios delves into Mark’s life, highlighting his remarkable resilience, unfiltered honesty, and passion for ribs, making him a street food legend. If you’re a fan of food, business, or inspiring personal stories, this episode offers something for everyone.
From humble beginnings as a 12-year-old butcher’s apprentice to becoming the “Godfather of Street Food,” Mark’s journey is anything but conventional. His candid reflections reveal a man shaped by hard work, love for his craft, and a relentless drive to overcome challenges. A life-changing accident left him an amputee, but Mark turned adversity into opportunity, reinventing himself as a street food icon. His ribs, which are famously served at Brick Lane and West Ham games, are as much about quality as a community.
One of the most striking aspects of this episode is Mark’s unfiltered take on life and business. He’s a force to be reckoned with on Twitter, calling out hypocrisy and engaging directly with his loyal fanbase as he puts it, “If people like me, they like me. If they don’t, they don’t.” This authenticity extends to his food philosophy—his ribs are uncompromisingly good, made with care and respect for the craft. “I don’t believe there are any better ribs out there,” Mark says confidently, and his customers seem to agree.
Listeners will enjoy the rich anecdotes throughout the episode, such as Mark’s first encounter with celebrity chef Adam Richman. After a cheeky tweet inviting Richman to try his ribs, the food icon showed up unannounced, cementing a friendship and endorsement that boosted The Rib Man’s fame. Another memorable moment is Mark’s battle with copycats trying to cash in on his brand, a testament to the fierce loyalty of his followers who vigilantly protect his name.
The episode also dives into thought-provoking discussions about the challenges of running a small business in a corporate-dominated world. Mark’s insights into staying niche and perfecting a single product resonate with food industry professionals and small business owners. “Why try to do everything and end up doing nothing well?” he asks—a question that underscores his commitment to quality over quantity.
Despite his success, Mark remains deeply connected to his roots. Whether sourcing the best ribs from local farms or engaging with customers personally, he embodies the spirit of independent business. His collaborations with top restaurants and bars further showcase his versatility and drive to expand his brand without compromising values.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, whether you’re in the food industry or simply love a good underdog story. Stelios and Mark’s dynamic conversation is entertaining and insightful, offering plenty of laughs, a few tears, and much food for thought.
Don’t miss out—listen to the full episode of The Ceres Podcast now and subscribe for more inspiring stories from the world of food and business. Prepare to be hungry, motivated, and thoroughly entertained!