Caldwell County BBQ, a family-owned Texas-style barbecue restaurant located in Gilbert and Queen Creek, is getting ready to open two new locations in Phoenix.
Previously, What Now Phoenix reported on the company opening a new location in Peoria. Now, Caldwell County BBQ will open another location in North Scottsdale, according to Phoenix New Times. The Peoria restaurant, located on Washington Street near 83rd Drive, is expected to open in early 2026 and will be 6,000 square feet. The Scottsdale location, near Scottsdale Road and Mayo Boulevard, is set to open in April 2026. When these two locations open, it will double the company’s footprint within the Valley.
Caldwell County BBQ was founded by Clay Caldwell, who previously owned Waldo’s BBQ for 20 years. After retiring in 2013, Clay and his family opened the first location in Gilbert in 2018. They transformed a residential home into a farmhouse-style eatery featuring outdoor picnic seating. The family also operates a second location in Queen Creek, Arizona, which opened in 2024. Each location will offer a unique signature smoked meat, following the model of existing restaurants where the Gilbert location serves beef ribs and the Queen Creek location plans to offer smoked pork belly. The specific special meats for the new locations have not yet been decided.
Caldwell County BBQ specializes in mesquite-smoked meats, including prime brisket, pulled pork, turkey breast, St. Louis-style ribs, and jalapeño cheddar sausage. Sides, such as Aunt Susan’s corn casserole, lemon poppyseed coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, and pinto beans, complement the main dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of sandwiches, including the El General Patton (featuring brisket, pulled pork, and sausage) and the Dixie “V” (made with chopped brisket). Desserts like banana pudding and pecan pie are also available.
