The Heart Behind Oregon Brews & BBQ: Meet Richard Bert

Richard Bert, founder of Oregon Brews & BBQ

When people think about Oregon Brews & BBQ, they often think about the live music, the BBQ, the Oregon craft beer, the crowds, the motorcycles, the camping, and the unforgettable festival weekends at the Yamhill County Fairgrounds. But behind all of it is a man whose story is built on family, hard work, community, and heart.

Richard Bert is not just the face behind the events. He is the kind of person who genuinely cares about people. Down to earth, hardworking, patriotic, and humble, Richard has spent years building more than just a business. He has built a community gathering place where people can come together, make memories, and enjoy life.

What started as a graduation party for his daughter eventually turned into something much bigger.

“I started the family run business after having a graduation party for my daughter and seeing how much everybody enjoyed the food that my brother and I had cooked,” Richard shared. “That day I decided I was going to create a legacy to pass down to my kids.”

While the original dream was to create something for his family’s future, the business naturally evolved into events, catering, food experiences, and community festivals that now attract people from throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

Richard says food has always been about bringing people together.

“I have always loved how food can bring people together and enjoy each other's company,” he explained. “And now, here we are getting ready to go on our 17th year of business in Yamhill County.”

That passion is something people instantly notice when they meet him. Whether he is cooking, coordinating an event, helping vendors, talking with guests, or supporting veterans, Richard carries himself with authenticity and kindness that is hard to fake.

When asked what he loves most about the business, his answer had nothing to do with profits or recognition.

“I think what I love most is seeing how happy the people are when they eat my food,” he said. “It’s that pure enjoyment. It’s better than anything else that I get out of this business.”

That genuine passion is part of what makes Oregon Brews & BBQ different. Guests are not walking into a corporate event run by strangers. They are walking into a family atmosphere built by people who truly care about the experience.

Richard also admits there is something exciting about the chaos of event planning itself.

“Probably the chaos,” he laughed. “The planning, teaching other people what I do through making my own mistakes. And seeing it come together in the end.”

Even outside of the events and food business, Richard’s priorities remain simple and grounded. Family always comes first.

“When I do get a free moment I like to spend it playing with my grandkids, riding my bike and going to the movies with my wife."

But perhaps the most powerful part of Richard’s story is his dedication to veterans.

Supporting veterans has become a major focus at every Oregon Brews & BBQ event, and for Richard, it is deeply personal.

“Because veterans have done so much for us. It is only right that we do for them,” he explained. “Somebody told me years ago that we are the veterans of debt, we could never repay. And I know I can never repay, but I sure can give it a shot.”

Richard’s commitment goes far beyond words. His goal moving forward is to place even greater focus on veteran mental health awareness and support through future events and community efforts.

“I am a very patriotic person. I love my country and I love the people who defend our country. We wouldn't be the country we are without the men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect it.”

That mindset is woven into everything Oregon Brews & BBQ represents.

It is about bringing people together. It is about family. It is about community. It is about creating memories. And above all, it is about giving back.

As Oregon Brews & BBQ continues growing across Oregon with events like the Father’s Day Bash, MAC Crawfish Boil, and Oktoberfest, one thing remains clear: Richard Bert is the kind of person people root for because he never forgets what matters most.

In a world where many businesses feel corporate and disconnected, Richard has stayed genuine, approachable, and community-driven from day one. And that may be the biggest reason why so many people continue coming back year after year.