South County Profile: Douglas Matheson

DOUGLAS MATHESON

Doug Matheson moved to Shasta County two years ago from the San Fernando Valley.

After spending eight years there, Matheson and his wife realized that the San Fernando Valley was not the environment in which they wanted to raise a family. Matheson's wife came to Northern California to visit relatives and fell in love with the area. When Matheson arrived here in Shasta County, he knew it was where they belonged. Cottonwood had a small-town atmosphere just like the town in Texas where he grew up.

Five months ago, Matheson and his wife opened up Big D's BBQ in Cottonwood. Matheson wanted to be his own boss, not to get rich, but to be able to do for themselves.

"After growing up in Texas, barbecue is what I do. It gives me a chance to give my own flare to the people," said Matheson.

Big D's BBQ is open Tuesday through Saturday, and has a great menu featuring barbecue meats and different salads. On Saturdays, Matheson cooks St. Louis-style pork ribs, which is a big hit with customers.

Matheson and his wife run the restaurant together and have no other employees at this time. Their customer base is growing through repeat customers, tourists and word of mouth.

"Many of our customers are those that have stopped to get fuel and the smell of the barbecue has brought them in to eat. Now they find the time to come back and eat," stated Matheson. "One of our business goals is to keep the menu affordable for families to be able to come in to eat and not break the bank."

Matheson is a big supporter of local athletic teams and the Cottonwood Community Library. He is also the vice president of Cottonwood Little League.

In the future, Matheson would like to concentrate on catering, becoming a sit down restaurant that is a fun place for families to go.

Before going into the restaurant business, Matheson worked in the communications field. After Sept. 11, 2001, the company Matheson worked for laid off 4,700 employees. Matheson then went to bartending school. He followed that experience by going into the restaurant business, where he has worked ever since.

Matheson feels that the restaurant business is where he needs to be, and that it suits his personality.

Matheson's advice for others is the same that a friend once gave him, "A dream is worth chasing as long as it is your dream."

Name: Douglas Matheson.

Born where and when: Whittier, 1969.

Occupation: Restaurant owner. Big D's BBQ in Cottonwood.

Marital Status: Married for 14 years.

Family: My wife Katrina, son Dylan and foster children.

Pets: Two horses, one cat and 12 chickens.

My worst job: Taco Bell.

My first job: Taco Bell.

In my spare time I: Relax and enjoy time with my family.

My favorite book: Porter Rockwell.

My favorite movie: Tombstone.

My favorite recording artist: Pat Green.

My dream car: A Ford F-350 - Fully Loaded.

My friends like me because: I'm fun to be around.

If stranded on a deserted island, I would want: My pillow.

The one thing in life I've learned is: Never give up!

The best advice my parents gave me: The choices you make today will follow you forever.

My most embarrassing moment: I don't embarrass easily.

My most irrational act: Leaving a good paying job to move to Utah and become a ski bum.

My most valued material possession: Family pictures.

What I like best about the North State: The beauty of watching the seasons change and the great people.

My hero is: My wife.

My pet peeve is: Rude people.

My fantasy is: To win the lottery.

If I could change one thing about myself I would: grow my hair back.

The one thing Shasta County needs most is: More control over drug use.

The most enjoyable thing about life is: Building a family and enjoying all the small things in life.