For the team behind Scratch BBQ & Catering, great barbecue didn’t start with a business plan—it started with a love of the grill and a happy accident.
Mike Lintz and his wife Amy, both 47, of Flushing, share details about Scratch BBQ & Catering and why it’s so special to them and the community.
Mike said growing up, food fresh off the grill was always a special treat, and that early appreciation for barbecue stayed close to home. Years later, while helping a local church prepare pulled pork for a luncheon, someone casually suggested turning the passion into a profession. What began as an offhand comment quickly sparked an idea that refused to fade. Within a year, a wood-burning smoker was purchased, and Scratch BBQ & Catering was officially born.
The business first made its mark at the Flint Farmers Market, where it catered for a decade before the Lintzes began to seriously consider opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant. That leap, while daunting, felt inevitable.
Though barbecue became the centerpiece, Mike’s restaurant experience had long been part of the journey. From washing dishes to bussing tables, expediting food, and waiting tables, working in a local restaurant and bar provided firsthand knowledge of how a successful operation runs—knowledge that would later prove invaluable.
Learning from the Best
When it came to mastering barbecue techniques, inspiration came from Texas. Mike and Amy credit much of their education to Aaron Franklin of Franklin BBQ in Austin, whose approachable teaching style and wealth of online tutorials made an impression. Unlike some celebrity pitmasters, Franklin’s humility and openness stood out.
A visit to Franklin BBQ before opening the restaurant became a defining moment. After waiting in line early on a cold February morning, Mike and Amy were welcomed warmly by staff. Mike said the staff found out they had come all the way from Michigan and they invited the couple in for a behind-the-scenes tour after they ate. Similar encouragement came during a visit to Lewis BBQ in Charleston, South Carolina, owned by John Lewis, a former Franklin protégé. Those experiences cemented the belief that opening their own restaurant wasn’t just a dream—it was achievable.
Mike and Amy Lintz of Flushing pose for a family photo with their children. Mike and Amy own and run Scratch BBQ & Catering at 2373 Austins Parkway, Flint.
Built from Scratch—Literally
True to its name, Scratch BBQ & Catering is rooted in hands-on craftsmanship. Every recipe reflects years of trial and error, from house-made rubs for pulled pork and ribs to the carefully developed mac and cheese inspired by rich blends of parmesan and gouda.
Mike said the restaurant’s location was chosen strategically near the I-75 and I-69 interchange, offering easy access for locals and travelers alike. The building, formerly a Fuddruckers, was in rough condition when purchased and required a complete transformation. The interior was fully gutted, a new roof installed, front windows replaced, and extensive landscaping completed. Inside, a bar with 20 beer taps and a walk-in cooler was built from the ground up.
Outside, a custom lean-to shelters two massive 1,000-gallon smokers, fueled with wild cherry wood that gives the meat its signature flavor. Even the parking lot received much-needed repairs—no detail was overlooked.
A Family Driven Operation with Local Flavor
Scratch BBQ & Catering is truly a family affair. Mike and Amy manage the restaurant together, with Joe Edwards playing a key role in day-to-day operations. The sense of teamwork extends to the staff they’ve built—one of the most rewarding outcomes of the entire journey.
Adding to the atmosphere is live, local music, featured every Friday and Saturday evening. Acoustic performances from area artists create a laid-back, welcoming vibe that pairs perfectly with smoked meats and cold drinks.
Catering with Transparency and Care
Catering has become a major part of the business, with the team handling events of all sizes—often multiple in a single day. For couples planning weddings, Scratch BBQ & Catering offers free tastings, customizable menus, and the guidance of a dedicated catering coordinator to ensure every detail is covered.
From smoked brisket, wings, homemade recipes, rubs and sauces, to 20 beers on tap, cocktails, live music and more, there is something for everybody at Scratch BBQ & Catering in Flint.
Their upfront pricing approach allows brides and grooms to plan confidently, making the process both transparent and stress-free—an appreciated touch in an often overwhelming season.
Challenges, Rewards, and What’s Next
Bringing Scratch BBQ & Catering to life was no small feat. “From purchasing and rehabbing a building to assembling the right team, the process was challenging at every turn,” MIke said. “But seeing it all come together—and watching guests enjoy the food and atmosphere—has made every step worthwhile.”
At its core, Scratch BBQ & Catering is about passion, perseverance, and community—proof that sometimes the best businesses really do start with a simple love for the grill.
For more information about Scratch BBQ & Catering, visit scratchbbqandcatering.com or order online at order.toasttab.com/online/scratch-bbq-and-catering.
