Business is firing up for one local man who specializes in making grills. His innovative idea has been a saving grace during this pandemic.

Ben Primis from Ben’s Barrels in Erie has been making grills out of barrels and they are reaching backyards nationwide.

“We were struggling just like anybody else,” Primis said. “We were living paycheck to paycheck nearly having utilities shut off.”

He and his wife, Deborah were struggling 7 months ago because of the pandemic. Instead of giving up, they fired up a new hobby that became a new business. They call it Ben’s Barrels.
 
“I just laid in bed one night and woke up and I drew a grill, Primis said. “I look at this grill and have had excitement in my spirit ever since.”

They take 55-pound barrels and put them through a process that turns them into cooking grills.

The grills have several racks for cooking and a plate for baking and frying. The grills also have wheels. They are designed to be able to clean easily, with a drainage system for water to run down through them.

Ben is an well-known artist so he personalizes vinyl for these grills. In fact, Ben’s Barrel’s started as a company that sells burn barrels and concept barrels to locals in Erie. That was successful, which sparked the idea for the grill.

“The neighborhood has watched this grow,” Primis said.

Now Ben’s Barrels are sold in 18 different states.

“It’s just something that is growing so fast that it’s just so overwhelming for me and my wife.” Primis said. “It’s unbelievable.”

The grills cost anywhere from $250-$300.

They just made a grill for Seattle Mariner star pitcher, Aaron Fletcher.

Right now this local couple is using their home for production so soon they hope to get a local warehouse and hire employees.
Even though their business picked up quickly, they are still counting on this summer’s grill season to keep them going.

Right now, Ben’s Barrel Grills can be found at select Lowe’s and Home Depots as well as True Value Hardware and Kraus Department Stores.

To order a grill, you can also call: 814-217-7605 or visit their Facebook Profile.