Boxcar BBQ has attracted smokehouse lovers from across the state to Jackson Avenue in Lufkin for its smoky good eats since its inception. Now, the brand is embarking on opening its first brick-and-mortar location. According to a recently filed permit, Boxcar BBQ is expected to open at 212 E. Burke Ave. this spring.
“Immerse yourself in the true essence of Texas barbecue at Boxcar BBQ,” the Boxcar BBQ website reads.
“We are dedicated to sourcing premium ingredients from trusted suppliers, allowing us to create extraordinary barbecue that pays homage to the vibrant heritage and flavors of Texas.”
The remodel on the new BBQ spot is already underway and is expected to be completed by mid-April of this year. The remodeling of the existing space to turn it into the nearly four thousand square foot BBQ joint is slated to cost a whooping $363,000.
At the helm of the eatery is pitmaster Jeremy Staggs. What Now San Antonio briefly spoke with Staggs about the opening, who confirmed that Boxcar BBQ would be opening soon.
“I think BBQ, especially in Texas, is so unique because it began in central Texas and has expanded to a global fusion scale. Each region of Texas is representing itself so well with its own unique flavors specific to that region and those demographics,” Staggs said.
“I ask that people remind themselves of this when venturing out and trying new bbq spots across the state, simply because Rita different doesn’t mean it’s better or worse. Each of us that spend the amount of time to make great bbq pour so much more into it than seasoning and smoke.”
Staggs shared that the new location is actually set to open this summer.
“It was always the goal to have a brick and mortar, but we didn’t want the initial cost/ risk until we had a proven market,” Staggs said.
“The demand was there, so we just continued to scale up operations until it hit that fever pitch, which ultimately forced our hand to start the search.”
Boxcar BBQ recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of serving East Texas-style barbecue.
“We are a Texas Craft BBQ spot that has a Tex-Mex flair rooted in tradition, focused on quality above all else, and the continued improvement to provide a better product to customers,” Staggs said.
“We roll coal on two 1000-gallon offset smokers, one is a M&M BBQ out of Tool, Texas, and an impressive piece of equipment. Mike and Matt do an incredible job. The other is more of a down-and-dirty classic 1000-gallon out of Bristol, Texas, from Mule Skinner smoke rigs. Dustin Dixon makes a mighty fine smoker. Each one offers such a unique cooking experience and makes tremendous bbq. We are planning to add another smoker from the boys at MM at the new location.”
Boxcar BBQ menu highlights include the Chipotle bacon potato salad, which gives a “smoky crunchy familiarity” that evokes comfort, the Poblano Coleslaw, Green Chile Mac and Cheese, and the Smoked chorizo sweet potato hash and pickled watermelon cucumber salad.
Boxcar BBQ also offers brisket, pork spareribs, in-house-made BBQ sauce, the Sloppy Pig Sandwich, and more. Customers can order meat by the pound and have a selection of sides to accompany their selected meats, including the brisket mac n cheese.
Guests can also enjoy an offering of tres leches that changes flavors monthly.
“We’ve done over 25 flavors so far,” Staggs said.
February was a strawberry red velvet. We’ve done everything from Root beer float to Blueberry lemon poppy seed and everything in between.
Boxcar BBQ is anticipated to open at 212 E. Burke Ave. this summer after construction wraps up in April.
