Cooking With Love
Berkley Hoagland '86
For the ultimate barbecue experience in Los Angelos area, look no
“Relationships are big in this industry, which is also something that
further than Berkley’s Backyard BBQ. Berkley Hoagland ’86 has built
I learned in hockey. I have staff now who have been with me for over
this full-service catering business based on events that are known
10 years.” Berkley is particularly proud of his product, his customer
as much for his ebullient personality as for his fabulous food. Since
service, and the efficiency with which his team operates. This
2003, many clients—including celebrities Katharine McPhee, Kiefer
entrepreneurial hat trick gives him confidence as a business owner:
Sutherland, and David Boreanaz—have called on Berkley to deliver
“Nothing scares me anymore. If a call comes in for a 1,000-person
a menu of classic barbecued chicken, ribs, and tri-tips alongside
event, I know we can do it!”
Southern-style side dishes. Berkley discovered his two life passions—cooking and hockey— early in life when his father was a chef at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Berkley would sometimes follow his father to work, and while on campus, Berkley also discovered the ice rink. There, he fell in love with hockey, a talent that he further developed in high school. “Cushing was the best experience of my life,” he said, fondly
"When it comes to time management, discipline, and striving to be our best, we are only as good as our last job."
remembering hockey coach Steve Jacobs and other mentors Rich Henry, Paul Dowling, and Judy Beams. “I absolutely loved everything
Berkley predicts that barbecue will continue to rise in popularity
about what prep school does, and I wish more kids could go.” Berkley
because of its exposure on televised cooking shows and its familiar
was proud to be a student tour guide during his time at Cushing
feeling. “Everyone has done barbecue,” he said. "Everyone has their
and stays in close touch with many fellow Penguins: “I talk to more
way and a secret.” Though he has brought his barbecue prowess to
friends from Cushing than anybody else I know talks with their high
campus as a highlight of several reunions, he has kept his secret
school friends.”
close and reminisces fondly that he shared the ingredients in his sauce with only one Penguin, his late friend and beloved faculty
After graduating from Northeastern University in Boston, Berkley
member Bruce Lemiuex ’85. Berkley also sees new relevance for
played hockey for several teams professionally and then coached.
the classic backyard barbecue during these tentative months while
Berkley settled in Southern California where, for a while, he
emerging from the pandemic. “With the pandemic you want to
juggled professional interests in hockey and the culinary world, saying that one passion “fed” the other. “A lot of my business has some connection to hockey,”
go outside and be in fellowship with friends. We want to take things slow, make events mean something. And barbecue is not a fast process!”
he said. Eventually providing delicious food and an excellent hospitality experience became Berkley’s primary focus.
Berkley stresses the importance of loving his profession and remains grateful for the inspiration that he took from his father: “I remember all
The skills Berkley honed in the rink have
those years when my dad left first thing in the
become essential to his success as an
morning and came home late. But he loved what
entrepreneur—particularly the philosophy to
he did. Your passion for your craft is what gets you
always bring your “A game.” “When it comes to time management, discipline, and striving to be our best,” Berkley said, “we are only as good as our last job.” Cultivating a good team is also important. 14
CUSHING TODAY
through the times when you get kicked in the gut. If you’re loving it, it’s what you do.”
