Speaking & Guest Engagements

The Voice Behind Queen’s BBQ

About Anya Lumpkin-Queen

Anya Lumpkin-Queen is the Owner, Catering Coordinator, and Sous Chef of Queen’s BBQ and Southern Cuisine, which she co-owns with her husband, Titus Queen, Head Chef and Grill Master. Together, they’ve built a catering company known for its signature motto: “Everyone Eats at Queen’s!”

While Titus leads in the kitchen with his celebrated barbecue and grilling expertise, Anya balances the artistry of food with the business strategy, coordination, and storytelling that drive their success. She speaks with authenticity about entrepreneurship, culture, and the power of food to connect people.

Anya is also an award-winning business leader. She earned 1st Place in the M&T Bank and Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Business Pitch Competition and was named a Top 10 Finalist out of 60 competitors in SCORE’s National Business Pitch Competition. Her ability to blend cultural storytelling with practical business strategy has made her a sought-after voice in both food and entrepreneurial spaces.

At Dickinson College, she was invited by Professor Lynn R. Johnson, Ph.D., Distinguished Chair in Africana Studies, to speak on African American Food & Identity in Popular Culture. The seminar included a dialogue on history, food traditions, and identity, followed by a full soul food meal prepared by Queen’s BBQ.

With years of experience in business ownership, community outreach, and event execution, Anya inspires audiences with her message: build boldly, serve with purpose, and let culture be your strength.


Signature Talks


  • How food service can be more than a business — it can be a bridge to cultural preservation and community growth.

  • Lessons in resilience, contracts, and customer care from growing Queen’s BBQ.

  • Exploring history, storytelling, and modern interpretations of cultural foodways.

  • Drawing from her experience as a 1st Place Winner in the M&T Bank & CIE Business Pitch Competition and a Top 10 Finalist in SCORE’s 60th National Pitch Competition, Anya teaches entrepreneurs how to craft a compelling pitch. From identifying your unique value to simplifying your message and delivering it with confidence, this talk equips business owners to win both competitions and everyday opportunities.

  • Sharing how Queen’s BBQ has thrived thanks to a diverse client base — and why inclusive support is vital for small business growth.

  • Why every entrepreneur needs systems, contracts, and boundaries to thrive.


Achievements & Recognition

  • 1st Place — M&T Bank and Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Business Pitch Competition (2024)

  • SCORE 60th National Business Pitch Competition — Top 10 Finalist out of 2,300 applicants (2024)

  • Dickinson College Guest SpeakerAfrican American Food & Identity in Popular Culture

  • Press Features

    • Fox43 – A Different Kind of Good

    • CBS21 – Proudly PA

    • ABC27 - Best Mac and Cheese

    • PennLive – Our Inspiration

    • PennLive – Serving Up the Best Food

    • The Burg Magazine

  • Nominated for 5 Different Simply the Best categories

Bring Anya’s voice and experience to your stage. Whether it’s a keynote, workshop, panel, or fireside chat, she brings passion, cultural insight, and practical business wisdom to every audience.

📧 info@queensbbqandsoutherncuisine.net
📞 (717) 557-1655

Everyone Eats at Queen’s! 👑