Ryan: Well, it goes back quite a ways. I’m 42 now, so I won’t go into every twist and turn, but the story really starts when I moved from New York to Prescott about eight and a half, nine years ago. At that point, I had left a career in teaching and working with students, and I was trying to figure out a new path. One thing led to another, and I eventually bought Hero Party Rentals from Chad Cook. Chad had run Castle Golf in Prescott Valley, which was a big family entertainment center with go-karts, bumper carts, and all sorts of attractions. It was really an institution for family fun in the area. Eventually, Chad made a few other transactions involving recreation…That’s when I stepped in.Question: So how did you end up buying Blazing M?
Ryan: I found a realtor, who told me Blazin’ M was for sale, this was after COVID had shut it down for about 18 months. I had been looking to build a family entertainment center, and I came out and bought it. Just like that.
Question: What do you do there?
Ryan: I’m the cowboy in charge. Officially, I’m the CEO of the company. Blazin’ M sees about 25,000 people a year, and we’re a multimillion-dollar revenue company. We started as a dinner theater, but we’re expanding into other areas like overnight hospitality, weddings, and events. We also recently purchased a second barbecue restaurant called the DreamWest Caboose in Clarkdale. On top of that, we’re starting to bottle and package spices and barbecue sauces for retail. Essentially, we’re growing into a full family entertainment and hospitality company, creating experiences for people at every level.
Question: Is the food at Blazin’ M the same as it used to be?
Ryan: It’s better. I’m very particular—I eat the food almost every night to make sure it’s cooked well. I grew up in North Carolina, so I know what good barbecue should taste like. We’ve made some updates, like replacing the beans with mac and cheese, and we focus on pulled pork rather than ribs, but it’s in the same spirit as the original. The goal is to keep that homegrown, southern flavor while also elevating the quality. I really want every guest to have that memorable, authentic experience.
Question: What do you do in Sedona or the Verde Valley besides working?
Ryan: I’m on the board of directors for the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. I was invited last year, and it’s been amazing to advocate for regionalism across the Verde Valley—connecting towns like Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Cornville, and Sedona. We recently hosted a regional mixer at Blazing M with over 400 business members, which was the first event like that in about eight years. It took a lot of effort to organize, but it was incredibly rewarding. I enjoy giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that bring the region together.
Question: Where do you like to go out for dinner?
Ryan: Usually, I end up at Blazing M because I eat there a lot! But outside of that, I enjoy Lisa Dahl’s restaurants. In the Cottonwood community, I like Bocce, a local pizza joint. It’s simple, but it’s fantastic. I love supporting local businesses, and it’s always fun to explore what the area has to offer.
Question: What’s next for Blazing M?
Ryan: We’re building the DreamWest Mining Camp, which is an 1880s-themed overnight campsite. Guests will stay with cowboys, enjoy lantern-lit evenings, live music, and whiskey. The idea is to extend the adventure beyond the dinner theater experience. The tents are glamping-style, with double queen mattresses and some modern amenities like battery chargers for phones. We’ll have 30 tents, accommodating between 60 and 90 people each night. It’s all about giving families and guests an immersive experience they won’t forget.
Question: Anything else you’d like people to know about you?
Ryan: I’m incredibly grateful to the Verde Valley community. They welcomed us from Prescott and New York, allowing us to continue the legacy of the Mayberry family, who were very special to my wife Layla and me. Lori and Dan Mayberry’s support was essential. We try to lead from a place of gratitude and give back. Blazin’ M and our parent company, DreamWest Adventures, are all about creating long-lasting, positive memories. We’re a memory-making business, not just a restaurant or dinner theater. I always tell people I’m a “fake cowboy” because I didn’t grow up on the range, but our mission is to create experiences people remember for years. That’s really what Blazin’ M and DreamWest Adventures are all about.
Question: How would you sum up the Blazin’ M experience?
Ryan: It’s really about giving people joyful, memorable experiences that last. Everything we do, from the food to the shows to the overnight camps, is designed to create moments that stick with families long after they leave. We want people to remember the laughter, the excitement, and the connection. That’s the heart of what we do.
