Tad Peelen (’94) starts a second career with Joe’s Real BBQ

Peelen (MS, 1994) retired from American Airlines and started a second career in the restaurant business in Arizona.  After obtaining his MS in Organizational Communication from TCU, he partnered with Joe Johnston and his brother Tim to open Joe’s Real BBQ in Gilbert, Arizona.  Tad has overseen operations at the downtown Gilbert, Arizona award-winning institution since 1998.  The restaurant will expand into Phoenix Sky Harbor airport next year.

Buoyed by the success of what locals affectionately call “The BBQ,” he teamed with his Partners to open Joe’s Farm Grill in Gilbert, Arizona in 2006. Set in the bucolic Agritopia® community, this institution quickly gained national acclaim and a feature on the Food Network’s® Diners Drive-ins and Dives with host Guy Fieri.

Committed to community service, Tad has served on the Town of Gilbert’s Economic Development Advisory Board, and as Board President of Gilbert Cares. He is a graduate of the Gilbert Leadership Program and works with the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.