Cancer survivor and community pillar — the story behind Apocalypse BBQ (includes video story)

Jeff Bud is a two-time cancer survivor whose personal struggles fueled his passion and determination to not only prepare and serve great food, but bring people together. In 2020, he opened Apocalypse BBQ at 9980 SW 104th St., which has become a community favorite for its mouthwatering dishes and inspirational backstory.

Bud, now 37, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2014. The road to recovery was difficult, marked by chemotherapy that drained him physically and emotionally. 

“There were times I didn’t know if I would make it to the next day. You’re literally fighting for your life,” he explained. “Being in the hospital and getting to know somebody that was in the room across from me, saying hi to them one day, and then the next morning you go to say hi and they passed away is wild.”

Bud was inspired by athletes like Ray Lewis and LeBron James, finding strength in their perseverance and using it to fuel his own fight. After his first round of treatment, he went into remission only to relapse a year later requiring a bone marrow transplant.

“I was lucky to find a donor,” he said, discussing how his mixed Brazilian, Argentine, African and Polish heritage made finding a match difficult. It was during his recovery that he discovered his passion for barbecue. 

“I wasn’t allowed to eat out while undergoing treatment because my immune system was so weak,” he explained. “So I bought a smoker and learned how to make barbecue in my backyard.”

That experience planted the seed for what would later become Apocalypse BBQ, established at the height of the pandemic. The name felt appropriate to Bud given the uncertain times. 

“Everyone was saying it was the end of the world,” Bud laughed. “It just felt fitting.”  

The menu at Apocalypse offers a blend of classic Southern barbecue with a Miami twist, which customer Anthony Fernandez raves about. 

“The pulled pork and the ‘cafecito’ barbecue are my favorites,” he said. “It’s always high quality and the local community vibe keeps me coming back.”

Fernandez has been a regular for two years and praises Apocalypse for its authenticity and connection to the local community.

“It’s really about the local experience and the high-quality food. Every time I come here, it’s a new experience, yet it’s always consistent with the quality.”

But for Fernandez, it’s more than just the food. He believes Apocalypse BBQ reflects the spirit of South Florida.

“It’s the fabric of our life here. It’s honest to our community, and I think that’s what people love about it.”

Last year, TimeOut Miami praised the restaurant for its expertly-cooked meats, noting that, “Everything we had was tender and juicy, just the way it should be.” Signature dishes include the pulled pork and brisket sandwiches served on buttery Texas toast and covered in slaw, as well as the half rack of ribs slathered in a sticky sauce made from colada with “espumita.” 

The restaurant quickly gained a loyal following. A two-hour wait on a Sunday at lunchtime is not unheard of at Apocalypse. But for Bud, it’s never been about being number one. 

“I don’t care about being the best. As long as people love this barbecue, that fills my heart with joy.”

His philosophy for running Apocalypse BBQ is rooted in hard work, patience and love. His employees feel that same passion, with many crediting him for fostering a positive and inspiring environment. 

“Bud makes it a point every day to motivate us,” said Jadalyn Quintero, a hostess who’s worked at Apocalypse’s for two years. “He’s very involved and hands-on. The way he leads pushes all of us to be better every single day. We work as a team, and that’s what sets us apart.”

As Apocalypse BBQ continues to grow, Bud remains focused on making it a place of community.

“Our dream is to be here for generations,” he shared. “We want the people who supported us from day one to bring their kids and their grandkids here. This is my greatest accomplishment.”

Benjamin Cure is a Cuban-American sportscaster currently serving as a broadcaster for ESPN+. In July 2020, the Miami native became the youngest Major League Soccer (MLS) reporter ever, as Digital Host for Inter Miami CF. In March 2022, Cure Founded his signature program, "The Benjamin Cure Show." Every Monday, Benjamin shares his takes on the biggest stories in sports.