Anthony Echarte, left, has catered a wide variety of events, including weddings, ribbon-cuttings and, most recently, Hungry Heroes, where he served California Highway Patrol with other pitmasters in the area. Photo courtesy of Anthony Echarte/Pun vs. Food Catering

DIXON, CA (MPG) - For lifelong Dixon resident Anthony Echarte, what began as a social media passion project has grown into a barbecue catering business known as Pun vs. Food.

Inspired by television personalities such as Guy Fieri and the show “Man vs. Food,” Echarte turned a borrowed grill into a full-scale catering operation in 2022.

“Pun vs. Food started as a content page in 2018,” said Echarte. “About six months in, my brother gave me one of his old grills and it kind of just morphed from there.”

Echarte, who graduated from Dixon High School in 2005, still lives in town with his wife and two children, who attend local schools. His parents also reside in Dixon. In addition to running Pun vs. Food, Echarte works in the parts department for a wine bottling supplier in Napa.

According to Anthony Echarte, Dixonites should employ his services due to his full-flavored barbecue and sides. He frequently offers pre-orders for major holidays such as Christmas, the Fourth of July and Super Bowl weekend. Photo courtesy of Anthony Echarte/Pun vs. Food Catering

Although Echarte describes his catering as a side business, it has quickly gained recognition. 

“I’ve done ribbon cuttings, weddings and I have been part of the Grillin’ and Chillin’ competition team, Los Borrachos Cocineros (roughly translates to ‘the drunken cooks’). We actually won one year,” Echarte said.

According to Echarte, he is open to “cooking a lot of dishes” but barbecue remains the focus. He frequently offers pre-orders for major holidays such as Christmas, the Fourth of July and Super Bowl weekend. 

“Christmas has been a big seller,” Echarte said.

Echarte often relies on friends to assist during large events. He has also cooked for a San Francisco 49ers football camp, including the team’s right tackle, Colton McKivitz.

“Not to brag but that’s a feather in my cap,” Echarte said.

The name “Pun” is a nickname that Echarte has had since he was 14. 

“People don’t even know my real name at this point,” joked Echarte.

Lifelong Dixon resident Anthony Echarte, inspired by television personalities such as Guy Fieri and the show “Man vs. Food,” began Pun vs. Food Catering in 2022. According to Echarte, his specialty is barbecue. Photo courtesy of Anthony Echarte/Pun vs. Food Catering

While Echarte does not currently plan to open a brick-and-mortar location, pop-ups might be on his horizon. 

“I enjoy catering because it’s at-will and fits my schedule,” said Echarte. “It’s more catered to my needs, no pun intended.”

Echarte sources ingredients locally from Super La Favorita Super Market.

According to Echarte, Dixonites should employ his services for high-quality, flavorful barbecue and sides.

“You’ll get a full-flavored meal from each side to each protein. Whether it’s my baked beans, elote salad or mac and cheese, nothing is bland. For good-quality barbecue, I’m the one to call,” Echarte said.

For more information, visit the Pun vs. Food Facebook page or call Echarte at 707-761-4548.