Holiday Season is here - Let’s make it a great Holiday season - owning the bbq lane

EXECUTIVE MESSAGE

Greetings Team City Barbeque,

I love going to work every day. I love everything about what I do. I love this industry. I love this brand. And I love this team. I get especially excited about what we do and who we are at this time of the year. The Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons are a time that bring people together to celebrate, reminisce, show appreciation, and for many, a time to renew relationships. 

For me, the holiday season represents all those things that make what we do so special. City Barbeque, regardless of time of year, is about family, community, and gathering. These are not just words: they are the heart and soul of everything we do.

Family always comes first and that will never change. As it relates to our team members, I believe being successful in your City Barbeque role requires having balance at work and at home. My hope is that you share with those you work closest with what “balance” means to you. And that you understand what “balance” means to them. As it relates to our guests, when they think of hosting their family’s special events, I want them to think of us because they trust us, and they know how much we value the opportunity to serve and create happiness for them.

Community means we operate every day as an engaged and trusted neighbor; a true partner creating win-win relationships. Community and relationship building start with what takes place within our four walls, creating a place and an experience where folks can slow down and feel welcomed as they share competition quality barbeque. That feeling that lives within our four walls then extends outside of the joint with a commitment to serving and creating happiness through outreach, generosity, giving back with gratitude, and helping make our hometowns stronger.

Barbeque has always been about people gathering in groups of all sizes, sharing stories over a good meal, and creating moments that become memories. Every day, we make dining and social experiences better. The casual nature of barbeque and the service level that we provide puts people at ease as we activate all their senses as they enjoy the quality of our craft. What we do not only allows people to savor the food, but importantly they are able to savor the moment.

Together, these values are the heartbeat of City Barbeque. This is why we keep smokers smoking and why we greet every guest with a smile that genuinely demonstrates our appreciation for them trusting us with their hard-earned dollars. When we live these values, we are not just serving barbeque, we are creating experiences that matter as we cement a future rooted in hospitality, the joy of being together, and shared successes.

This is our legacy. This is our future. This is City Barbeque.

I appreciate your hard work and all that you bring to this team! I wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday!

~ Mike Muldoon, Chief Executive Officer

Holiday Festivities

Four Pillars

TEAM

🌟 Mid-Year Engagement Survey Results Are In! 🌟

Thank you to all our teammates who took the time to share your thoughts in the Mid-Year 2025 Engagement Survey. Your feedback is essential to helping us understand what we’re doing well and where we need to grow. Because of your input, we’re able to continue shaping a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and heard.

This year, we saw strong participation and meaningful engagement across the company. Overall engagement totals reached 77%, with hourly teammates at 74% and field management at an impressive 88%. Several locations achieved 100% participation, demonstrating outstanding commitment to continuous improvement—including Rochester Rd, Whitestown, Kettering, Finneytown, Charlotte Catering, and West Chester Engagement Survey.

We’re encouraged by the progress made since the January 2025 full survey and energized by the ideas you’ve shared. Your voice drives our future, and your honesty helps us build a stronger City Barbeque together.

Our next full Engagement Survey will launch in March 2026, with a companywide engagement goal of 80% Engagement Survey. We look forward to hearing from you again!

Thank you for continuing to make City Barbeque a great place to work.

~ Amanda Beebe, Human Resource Generalist

Guest

Our guests choose City Barbeque for more than the food. They come for the way they’re treated, the consistency they can count on, and the comfort of knowing they’ll leave a little happier than they arrived. Those moments start with you. Thank you for the hospitality, care, and connection you bring to every visit. It makes all the difference.

~ Sammy Shaffer, Director of Marketing

Process

Hey Team, 

Great news—Simphony is now up and running at all joints! This is a huge step forward for everyone, and we’re already working through enhancement requests and bug fixes so things keep getting better. 

We’re getting ready to open our very first Tennessee joint in Johnson City on December 15, 2025. It’s a big move for us as we expand into new territory. 

Here’s your Johnson City leadership team: 

• RDO: Tim Zombek 

• Market Leader: Trevor Draude 

• GM: Nicholas Barker 

And here’s even more exciting news—we’re bringing the best brisket in the world to our guests, and thanks to our new brisket rub and cutting procedures, the product is even better. We were challenged by our owner to elevate our brisket, and these enhancements will be our new standard going forward. Get ready for a taste experience that sets us apart in 2026! 

Thanks for all your hard work and input—keep the feedback and ideas coming as we roll out these changes and gear up for a great new year! 

~ Dave Skerl, Director of Strategic Implementation

Financial

As we approach the end of the year, the Accounting Team would like to thank everyone for their collaboration and support in wrapping up the annual budget process and beginning the transition into 2026 strategy planning to support Company goals.  

We are also pleased to welcome our new CFO, Sharon Enright, to the organization. Sharon brings valuable experience and a commitment to driving our organization forward.  

Our team remains dedicated to delivering timely, accurate, and actionable financial insights to help guide the business in the year ahead. 

Wishing you and your families a warm, safe, and happy holiday season. 

~ Tadd Christensen, Director of Finance 

RDo reflections

“It was always all about the people.” -Frank Pizzo

Team,

As we move through this season together, I want to take a moment to remind all of us what truly sits at the heart of City Barbeque. It’s not the smokers, the recipes, the rushes, or the sales numbers—those are outcomes. The real engine behind this brand has always been our people. People are the most important part of what we do. They always have been, and they always will be.

Every day we show up, we aren’t just serving food—we’re serving happiness. We are in the business of creating moments that matter. A smile at the counter. A genuine thank-you. A perfectly sliced brisket handed to a guest who’s been looking forward to it all week. These moments stack up to become memories, and those memories become the culture we pass on to others.

When I think about what built City BBQ—what truly shaped this place—it wasn’t systems, spreadsheets, or structures. It was leaders who believed in people, who lifted others up, who made everyone in the room feel valued. It was the belief that if you take care of your folks, they’ll take care of the guest, and the results will follow naturally.

That’s still our calling today.

Each of you carries the responsibility—and the privilege—of modeling what great looks like. The way you show up sets the tone for everyone around you. When you bring energy, warmth, and purpose, your teams feel it. When you coach with heart and lead by example, they grow. When you take the time to listen, to teach, and to invest, you create the kind of environment where people don’t just work—they belong.

We can never lose the culture that shaped this brand:

Our Mission, Our Purpose, Our values, and our cultural guidelines. Finally SMOK’N.

As leaders, we set the standard. We show our teams what it looks like to live out our values in real time. We define what it means to care, to hustle, to serve, and to inspire.

So, I’ll ask you the same question we ask our teams:
How are you showing up?

Are you at your best? Are you leading in a way that leaves people better than you found them? Are you creating an environment where teammates feel seen, supported, and proud to be part of this family?

We have something truly special here at City BBQ—something built by great people, protected by great people, and carried forward by great people. It’s on us to honor that legacy and to build on it every single day.

Thank you for your leadership, your passion, and your commitment. Let’s keep serving, keep lifting others up, and keep creating happiness—one guest, one teammate, one moment at a time.

When we opened the first City Barbeque in 1999, we thought we wanted to serve folks the best barbeque they’d ever had—but it didn’t take long for us to realize we wanted to serve more than just great food. Today, our goal is to serve and create happiness, and we look forward to doing just that for folks across the country for years to come. – Rick Malir

Together, let’s make this place the best version of itself every single day.

Thanks

~ Justin Lance, Regional Director of Operations

welcome georgetown - September 15th, 2025

Welcome Johnson City - December 15th, 2025

BBQ BRAVOS - Shoutouts

TEAMMATE SPOTLIGHT

Ana Arellano Bravo | Shift Leader, Dublin Green

What is your current role at City BBQ? 

I have been working for city BBQ for 20 years and am currently a shift manager at the Dublin Green location soon to be Assistant Manager

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

Training new people that come to our company and watch them grow in the company

What three words would you use to describe City Barbeque? 

Family, Great food, caring

What three words would you use to describe yourself? 

Dedicated, stubborn, hard worker

If you could switch jobs with anyone else in the company, whose job would you want and why?

Matt Ferguson, I would like the opportunities to oversee multiple locations and spread my knowledge

Do you have any hobbies or belong to any groups outside of work? 

I love soccer

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Being a paramedic or firefighter

Do you have a favorite family tradition or one that you want to start? 

Day of the dead, this is where we celebrate our loved ones that have passed and we get together and talk about memories of the family members we have lost and celebrate their spirits

What is the most important thing you have learned in life?

Just be patient and take one day that a time

Everyone’s Favorite Recipe of yours or your favorite recipe –

Obviously, mi madre…tamales and homemade rice pudding 

welcome team Johnson city!

Nicholas Barker - General Manager

I began as a boards guy at the Centerville Joint. I spent about 2 years in the kitchen there before I worked my way up to shift lead. I worked as a shift lead under Trevor Draude for another few years. When the Kettering joint opened up I got the opportunity to move to the assistant manager position and open the new joint. I spent the next 2 years at Kettering learning from David Kim, Lisa Edwards and Renee Fredrickson. I got the opportunity to advance again to AGM and move back to the Centerville joint where I got to learn from Sally Fitzgibbon. A little over a year later I got the call about Johnson City and Began the process of preparing for the next step in my BBQ journey. I’ve had a lot of opportunities to learn from many different GMs and management styles over the years which has been a huge asset for problem solving and team building. Being able to draw on such a diverse pool of experience has been a blessing. I am super excited to begin this new chapter in Johnson City.

Logan Jeffries - Assistant general manager

I was born and raised in Southern Maryland, and spent the first 24 years of my life there. I started my restaurant journey in my late teens at Traders seafood steak and ale as a prep/line cook. From there I bounced around a few different restaurants, and a catering gig. I landed a job at Thursday’s Bar and Grill where I started as a line cook. Within a few months I was promoted to the kitchen manager position. I worked at Thursday’s for two years before my wife and I decided to move to Tennessee and start a family. Shortly after moving, I was offered an assistant manager role with First Watch in Johnson City. Two years later I left First Watch for an assistant general manager role with Another Broken Egg. Nevertheless, a year later I came back to First Watch as an assistant general manager in Asheville. In 2024 the store I was managing closed due to severe flooding from hurricane Helene. From there I was sent back to Johnson City were I had to forfeit my AGM role. It was time to find a fresh start, and luckily I have found that with City BBQ. I was hired to be the assistant general manager for Johnson City in June and started training in July of 2025. A ten week training process in two different states was not the easiest thing to explain to six month pregnant wife at the time, but she fully supported my decision. All in all I trained at three different stores in three states and learned a whole lot along the way. It feels good to be back home and operating in Johnson City. I am very excited for what the future holds working here at City BBQ.

Briana hayes - assistant Manager

My name is Bri Hayes; I started my career with City BBQ in 2020 when I was 16 at the Beavercreek joint. I was then promoted to Shift Leader in March of 2022. In January of 2023 I transferred to the Miller Lane location where I was till I came here to Johnson City. I’ve worked alongside GM Lisa Edwards and AGM Steven Huff who helped shape me into the manager I am today. I am excited for this next chapter and to be here at Johnson City with Nick and Logan! 

Pictured - left to right - Nicholas Barker GM, Logan Jeffries (AGM), and Briana Hayes (AM)

RAVING FANS

Acworth

City BBQ is great. Ashtin took our order, and she was super helpful and sweet. We will definitely be back. Highly recommend!

This was my first time too eat at a City BBQ and when I ordered my food and went to pay I could not find my wallet. I live in another city and state and was visiting my kids. I was in a panic and went to ask my son in law if he could pay for my lunch and when I came back to the counter, Ashton told me that it was already paid for. I was in tears over her kindness and generosity to help out in a very terrible moment.  Thank you Ashton for your act of service and thanks to this restaurant for having such nice employees. By the way the food was delicious and I will be going to the one in my hometown now.

Arlington

Went to City BBQ today for some brisket because I've had some co-workers rave about how good it is. I had no idea what to expect but this was the best lunch ever. First off it was a super friendly and inviting place from the minute I walked in. The General Manager Kevin suggested I also try the turkey (you have to have both…he was right…wow). Everything is scratch made and the sides are wildly good…from the Texas Toast to the potato salad and corn pudding…just can't say enough about how good this place is. Need to fill your BBQ craving in the best way possible?? This is your place.

Avon

I happened to pass by City BBQ in Indianapolis earlier today on the way to a dealer meeting and decided to stop in. Right away, Marcelle at the counter made me feel welcome, she handed me a menu and introduced me to Sammy in the kitchen. Next thing I know, Sammy's offering me a taste: brisket, pulled pork, and BBQ chicken. Every bite was spot on, and the service was so genuine that I promised myself I'd come back after my meeting for a proper dinner. And I did. This time I went for the City Sampler, brisket, pulled pork, BBQ chicken, and sausage. Everything was cooked perfectly, smoky and flavorful. I added a side of their corn pudding, which turned out to be a standout, and finished with some warm peach cobbler. To drink, I kept it classic with an Arnold Palmer, sweet tea and lemonade, the perfect pairing for BBQ. What stood out just as much as the food was the hospitality. Lex, Marcelle, and Sam really went out of their way to make me feel welcome, and that's the reason I came back the second time. Great food, great people, and a place I'll absolutely return to next time I'm in town.
#CityBBQ #IndianapolisEats #BBQDoneRight #FoodWithHeart #food #foodie #bbq #restaurants

Ballantyne

Absolutely fantastic food and even better service. Taylor's takeover as GM blasted City Barbecue into the stratosphere. I love service that feels more like a casual meet with a new friend, rather than a clinical transaction; and Emily and Alex go above and beyond in this regard every time. I would do unholy things for a Smokehouse Salad with brisket, hardboiled egg tossed in, smothered in the house Chipotle Ranch and Brushfire sauce. Keep on rocking.

As a first timer in Charlotte, I had a great experience at this city bbq. Andrew was very kind, patient and gave great recs, like the collard greens which were tasty. Had to leave a review due to the great service and clean establishment!

beachwood

Every time I come into the Beachwood City BBQ, Ms. MAMA is always so nice, friendly and patient. She is the best asset City BBQ has, besides the bbq and brisket!

Just came in this evening, everyone is so nice. The cashier was so kind and answered all my questions! The food was soooooo good too, amazing pulled pork sandwich! Update: My receipt says Doretha, so I think that's the cashier's name? Sweetest angel on the planet! I love City BBQ, but this location is by far and away my favorite because Miss Doretha on the cash register. I had a really bad day today, and she warmed my heart. You can't put a price on that.

Beavercreek

My cashier Corey was very helpful and patient due to this being my first time here ! He helped me decide what was a great choice. Very friendly.

Bailey was amazing! Great service and the Manager Jake on top of his game making sure you're taken care off.. Thank you for always making me welcomed !

Blue Ash

Everyone should be like Mel!  She was so very kind and attentive!

Outstanding BBQ- Mike and his team never fail to serve off the hook BBQ. Ribs were bite of the bone as they should be and the turkey was to die for- They even have fresh cut fries. Going next week again for our BBQ fix.

Buford

Great bbq! Journey was awesome and made some great recommendations.

Wonderful service! Ni was amazing. Lemonade was delicious I will be coming back again !

Catering sales support

Fantastic experience catering for our party with 40+ guests! Tasha was so professional from the start, and I knew I was in good hands. Nick arrived early with the food to ensure everything was set up before the first guests arrived. He did it all so I didn't have to worry about food, plates, utensils or anything. And the best part… the food was delicious! We received so many compliments on everything from the bbq to individual sides!

Carmel

Dinner was delicious and very friendly staff, especially Cameron at the cashier, he was very nice and helpful. Will definitely go back so we can try other dishes.

Our first time here and definitely won't be our last.  Spencer offered exceptional service as well

Cary

Absolutely love this place. The staff is super friendly, helpful and  plain nice people. Shout out to Hunter who was very knowledgeable about the menu and kept the long lines flowing for a busy Sunday dinner crowd. Way to go!

Tasty BBQ, best in Cary hands down!! Amazing, friendly service from Elisha too. Thank you for taking the time to explain the menu since it was my first time there.

Castleton

Lonnie really took care of us when we had issues with our order. Genuinely concern and the food was good as well.

Vee was such an amazing server. She made sure me and my Wife understood the menu as best as possible. We ended up getting a two meat with brisket and pork and I must say that was some of the best brisket I've had. Excellent employees and excellent food. 10/10 in my books.

Centerville

Everything we try here is amazing !!!!!! Our favorite bbq spot . Grateful it's pretty close to us ! Sally the GM is also the sweetest  

Bill was wonderful. Very friendly. And the food is always amazing

Chester Road

Top notch food, top notch crew. Nick and the gang are the bees knees!

The older gentleman  Tony that cleans and fills the drinks is one of the nicest, friendliest guys ever. What a nice touch! He's such a great worker!! The food is always very good!!

Circleville

In my humble opinion, the best food In Circleville. I eat here a couple times a week and have never been disappointed. The manager Sean is doing an outstanding job as manager. Jordan and Carrie are 2 of their best employees. I'm eating her right now. ❤️

Kaelyn was amazing!!

Decatur

The young lady Alisa who took my order was very patient with me as this was my first time at City barbecue. The food came out so fast ! The service was incredible. Thanks to everyone that played a part in my great experience.

Ebony was amazingly nice!! Lynn was awesome! Love this joint!!!

Deerfield

As a Texan, the food was impressive!  More importantly, Jesse was a fantastic host.  Talk about a friendly atmosphere to complete strangers.  We were just passing through and it became one of the highlights of our vacation.  Thanks, City BBQ!

Dublin Green

Jack did magnificent job and greeted us very nicely. He brought our food to us and it came out great!

I have been to several city BBQ in the Columbus Area. The location in plain city was efficient, friendly , and very helpful . I appreciate Taylor I noticed how she went to every table and asked if there was anything that each customer needed. This is very rare to see in today's customer service and I appreciate her warm welcoming and friendliness.

Durham

Very good experience. Angela Lee was very helpful and made my first time very awesomely

Chelsey made some great recommendations for my first time visit! Told me about the specials! Looking forward to trying City BBQ for the first time!

Eastgate

Anna at the counter was very nice and friendly. Food was ready quick and was delicious.

Anna and Wendy were wonderful.  They took good care of us.  We were able to accommodate all of our needs.  City BBQ was really tasty and sides were flavorful.  The customer was service was top notch.

fairfield

I've always been a fan of City Barbeque, but I've always been able to go through the drive-through. This is my first time ever going inside to place an order, but I was greeted by a very, very courteous Polite and professional young man Named Uziah!

Amazing food. Amazing people. Rodney and DaMarea were so helpful. We're from out of town and stopped by in the evening to grab something before bed. It wasn't busy but it felt like our food was ready by the time we finished ordering. Plus it tasted amazing! Totally recommend! The hospitality was also great, you could tell that even though it was the end of the day, they cared about each customer and they took time to help us figure out exactly what we needed!

Fairlawn

Alexander the manager was courteous and helpful. Trisha and Olivia were very polite and nice. They all make the restaurant a great place to come to eat with their cheery attitudes.  Thank you!!!   The restaurant looked great today, very clean and organized n neat looking!!

Stopped at this restaurant recently and it was amazing! We spoke with Brooke and she was so kind and answered any questions we had. Will definitely be back!

Findlay

The food is AWESOME I love coming here after a hard day at work, the people are nice and down to earth Kyla was especially helpful! It was almost like im eating at my distant relatives place.

1st time stopping in with my wife in Findlay, Ohio. Food was great, dining room was clean, bathrooms were clean... The gal, Collette, was phenomenal at the register. She suggested the 2 meat, 2 sides sampler so that way I could have what I wanted and my wife could have what she wanted. Keep that girl, she made the whole dining experience wonderful. Not only with the food suggestion, but coming out, wiping down tables and asking how everything was tasting.

finneytown

The ribs were EXCELLENT here at the Finneytown City BBQ restaurant. Will be back for more food. The guy, Neptune, who took our order was very accommodating and friendly and explained all great!!!

Tyler was so welcoming as soon as you got to the register. He was kind and patient explaining the meals and new items and has pleasant the whole time through. The rest of the staff was on top of any needs and made it a very enjoyable visit

Fishers

Christopher was super friendly and welcoming and helpful with menu recommendations! I haven' had service that friendly in a long time!

Food and service were great!  The manager Ben was especially helpful!

Florence

Best barbecue in Northern Kentucky. What makes them special besides their food is their staff. Polite, professional and caring. Especially we want to thank Kimberly who is a great asset to their company.

Fort Wayne

Addison and Ryan provided excellent service and the food was amazing!

My cashier was erica and she had a wonderful attitude she was positive and full of energy the food was really good i got the wings and they were GREAT !

Gahanna

The entire Gahanna staff are always friendly and willing to go extra mile to ensure that their customers are satisfied to the fullest. My weekly experience at the Gahanna location is consistently positive! The upper management team, Cameron and Randy's observance on the front line is remarkable, ensuring that it is coordinated and functioning accordingly. Awesome job always!!!!

Lovely place and really good bbq, the Mac and Cheese and the buffalo dip are two of my favorites. Meet a very sweet lady, Lapresha who works there. You guys keep up the good work.

Garner

One of the best BBQ experiences I've ever had! Darnise was absolutely amazing!!!!!  friendly, patient, and genuinely helpful. She made me feel so welcomed from the moment I walked in. I ended up choosing the pulled chicken, and let me tell you... it was some of the best chicken I've ever had. Tender, flavorful, perfectly seasoned...........  chef's kiss. Everyone I interacted with was kind, helpful, and took their time to explain the options. You can tell they care about the food and the people. I'm definitely coming back and bringing friends with me next time!

We met Mariam Ahmad for a taste testing for our daughter's wedding. She was so, so kind.  She walked us through all of our options for the wedding and was extremely helpful! Way to go, Mariam !!!!!!

Georgetown

Tasha made our experience amazing!!! So sweet and attentive! We will for sure be back!!

Kristen was the absolute best!! Very professional, polite and helpful!! I wanted to recognize her kindness publicly!!

I just encountered Andi at the pickup window and she was so helpful, friendly and pleasant! She made suggestions for a quick meal and got it to me ASAP! I will definitely be back!

Greensboro

Best food and best service! Two girls that work there Haley and Christine made sure I had everything I needed and went above and beyond explaining things to me when I had questions about the menu. Food was very good and fresh. Recommend to everyone!!

Second time coming this week!!! Turkey was amazing!!! Courtney is so friendly and addressed me by name… I have to eat in due to atmosphere and the tea with lemonade I mix just right!!!❤️

greenwood

Kenzie was the worker helping us out. She was very kind and gave us different suggestions on food and deals. The establishmet was very clean and a calm setting. Kenzie needs a raise shes the best kind of worker i've talked to.

I 've been coming to this City Barbecue for years and tonight I was truly blown away! Andrew and closing manager Deonte were two of the kindest and most hospitable guys I 've ever met in the food industry! I ordered corn bread and it accidentally got sold so Andrew gave me a free banana pudding and when I went to use my $5 rewards coupon Deonte told me I could just keep it for the inconvenience! I will never not recommend this place thanks to the great food, service, memories, and these two guys I met here tonight! Thanks again gentlemen, and all of the City Barbecue staff!

Angie was top-notch and took our order and helped us with all of the details. She did a great job!

Grove City

The Brisket was great the manager Skyler recommended to me. GREAT RESTAURANT !!!!

The food is always good. Clean and friendly place. When I stopped in to place a carryout order yesterday Myles was taking my order. He was very kind and made sure to help me save extra $$ with my rewards. He had to delete and add to my order but he didn't mind because Myles wanted me to get the best deal.

Harrodsburg

This was our second dine-in experience and we were, again, not disappointed! The staff is friendly and helpful. Shout out to Alex! Food was fresh and delicious. Great covered outdoor seating area with music!

We picked up a couple of family meals from City BBQ, and everything was absolutely perfect! Alex took great care of us & friendly, professional, and made sure our order was complete and fresh. It's rare to get this kind of service, and it really made our visit stand out. The food was delicious, hot, and ready right on time. Thank you, Alex and the City BBQ team!

Highland Heights

Very good food and the staff were so friendly, especially Dom … he was over and above helpful and friendly!

Hayley went above and beyond catching kids chicken tenders are made with buttermilk breading. My granddaughter has a milk allergy!  Thank you Hayley!!

high point

Food is always excellent. Sandra and Dolly are amazing 

10/10 definitely recommend, you're AMAZING employee Esther, best of the best, great attitude, & service, give her a raise, but overall great food

Amazing food, awesome service from everyone! Aykerquia is nothing but amazing, friendly, fast, and always making sure everything is correct. We love this place!

huntersville

Solid every time.  Food.  Service.  Cleanliness.   Jaila is always so welcoming

hurstbourne

I received great customer service from Kileah when I came into order my food. GREAT JOB and Service.

Great service! Awesome food!  Awesome team members! Great experience thanks to Olivia and team.

IUPUI

What tender and delicious meat! I was told this was the favorite spot in town, and now it's mine too. Many thanks to Milly for the kind service, and also to Dylan. Great place and great team. Thank you!

The food was delicious and fresh. Best of all the customer service is exceptional. Rhonda at the front counter really knows how to treat a customer. You can tell she's a gem 💎 in this establishment.

Johns Creek

I was purchasing lunch for the PT team that was helping me recover from hip surgery and decided to get them City BBQ.
The staff was welcoming and willing to assist me with all my questions, and helping with special requests. Charity help me put the order in under each person name and had it ready for me the next day when i came to pick it up. She made it fun and enjoyable experience and also reminded me about my points and discount that I was allow as I am a senior citizen. Everyone at the office loved the food and was so happy. I enjoy City BBQ with my family, had it for my son's garden wedding and now for a thank to some wonderful people at TheraSport PT. Thanks you City BBQ of Johns Creek for always do the best you can for us here in the creek. Beth Sakputis

My brother Will and I enjoy three things, old cars, airplanes, and barbecue! City barbecue is one of the best in Atlanta! My brother got the chop pork and I got the brisket sandwich, outstanding macaroni and cheese! Top it off with amazing banana pudding! Our server Kyle help to make our experience very special. Thanks again, Kyle for your kindness! We'll be back again and again to establish another great tradition!

Kettering

Amazing food and amazing customer service Jerry was very nice and helpful with helping us out on the menu

Donna was very helpful and cheerful helping us order our food. Love city bbq

Kentwood

Rachez was amazing!!!! This was my 2nd time and I really wasn't familiar with menu.  He was absolutely outstanding!!!

1st time visiting the Kentwood location ... stopped in right after dinner crowd ... Food was excellent ... Atmosphere was nice casual dining .... the young man Yousif took our order and make sure all was to our liking  great job to you and the management staff on board that day!

My wife and I recently moved to Grand Rapids. We had a great first experience at City BBQ. We weren 't sure exactly what to order for our first visit, and Danilo and the counter was very helpful in making suggestions. The food is delicious and we will definitely be back!

Lafayette

Amazing food and great service. Alvaro was very friendly and helpful with my order. Would recommend to anyone

Came in last week thru the drive thru, had some questions asked and was given answers and recommendations. Sarah was quick and kind and made sure I had everything I ordered. Will be back again!

The BEST employees. So kind, polite, and considerate. My favorites are Troy and Ben. I can always count on them to greet me with a smile. The chocolate cake is to die for too!

Lake boone trail

The food was delicious and I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with the taste of literally every item. The sweet tea is also a must have. I'm already looking forward to my next visit. Jack, Melanie, and William were fantastic with service out of this world. They work well together and you can tell that they truly enjoy their work and each other.

Jack was awesome! We tried going to the location in Durham but they were out of brisket! The very thing we were craving because theirs is so good. We called this location and they were willing to take an order over the phone so we could pick up even at closing time which was very kind and we appreciated it!!!

Lexington Catering

After a taste test between a well known local BBQ place and City BBQ, our prospective bride and groom chose City BBQ- who won all of our votes the chicken, brisket and green bean categories. (We were all surprised, but the meats were so much juicier, and the green bean flavor was great.). They catered our backyard rehearsal dinner for 62 people and it was just wonderful. The amount of food was spot on! They set everything up, and the food was hot and ready to go just when they said it would be. Their catering specialist (Antonia) was so helpful, she answered all of my questions and got back to me quickly when I had follow ups. It was clear that she was experienced and knew her job well, which took all the pressure off of us so that we could just enjoy the party. I would highly recommend the Harrodsburg Road location of City BBQ if you are looking for a casual easy caterer.

Madison West

BBQ sandwiches and ribs were delicious, especially since we are used to Missouri STL style BBQ. Rib meat fell off the bones, and the pulled pork had a great flavor even without sauce. Jesse took our order. He was very helpful at providing information about the menu. He allowed us to try a couple of meat samples to help us make our final decision. We would recommend this to any locals and out of towners (like ourselves).

Everything was great. Our server Adrian let us sample a few things before we ordered, and everything was great. We'll be coming back for sure.

Matthews

Kendal was very nice and gave very good service and i loved his energy

The experience that I have here every time I come is incredible I love it here and they have the best employees! Especially Jamora her customer service is always top tier .

McDonough

Zion displayed excellent customer service as always and the food is good. One of my favorite spots in the area.

OMG! My first and definitely not my last visit to City Barbecue was off the chain! I did not want to eat a lot so I ordered the sampler with 3 types of meat and two sides! And I got to serving trays worth of food! Just look below! I ordered the Chicago steak, the beef, brisket, and the pulled chicken, with hush puppies and fries! Absolutely delicious! We added the Low Country Carolina sauce and the Swine Wine sauce at the recommendation of Tiara, our awesome server, and then she threw in some coleslaw because she knew it would make the meat taste even better! We dined outside, and it was close to closing time, so before we left, Tiara came out and gave us two of their large chocolate chip cookies as a parting gift! Down home, amazing food! Huge helpings! And phenomenal, welcoming customer service! If you haven' been to this City Barbecue, then perhaps you haven' really been to City Barbecue yet! So go check it out! And ask Tiara is there!

medina

First time to city BBQ, I stopped in the Medina location because I happen to be in the area. I'm sooo happy I did! First off the manager Devin ( I think that's her name) was incredibly kind and helpful. She was so attentive and I mean she gave me the best customer service experience I've had in a WHILE! On top of that the food was DELICziOUS!!! That brisket oh my GAWD! I mean I could feel my back stretching as I was taking every bite 🤤 whole experience 10/10

We had an amazing time here tonight thanks to Tatiana, Gabby, and the other staff working. Such sweethearts and such amazing food!

Miller Lane

KJ was awesome brisket was amazing as usual and burnt ends were phenomenal never regret going here with my family and enjoying an amazing meal

Nay was great!

This place was amazing Nathans is an awesome manager !!! Ribs delicious and tender !

New Albany

Ollie, Paul, and Drew were so very friendly and helpful!

Love coming in every friday for lunch. Carol makes it that much more special everytime and the food and vibes are always on point.

Newark

Great service received from Allen! And food is delicious!

Jennifer S does an excellent job. She's very pleasant and very helpful. The team does a great job. We eat here twice a week. The food and staff are great!

park ridge

Food was absolutely delicious, Demi and OB provided great service. I definitely recommend people to try this place out!

Place is so good customer service was outstanding, Mr.OB thank u very much for the help

The BEST barbaque ive ever had, along with amazing employees such as Michael and Demaris, to the absolute BEST barbaque ive ever had, i will gldly come back and eat her again. And again. And again.

Polaris

I want to give a special shout out to Traci. Her energy is amazing. Anytime there was an issue she was quick to help and fix the problem. I enjoy her jokes whenever I'm there.

Poplar Level

THIS PLACE IS AMAZING KALLY IS THE BEST EVER

We had a nice gentlemen named Chris who Went above and beyond helping the Wife and I out what to get because it we are not native here. His personality fits the name of City BBQ. My wife and I are big barbecue advocate so we try to find barbecue places Because we don't have one in Joplin, Missouri. This is indeed the best barbecue joint we have ever been in our entire wives. Not only that the food is served less than two minutes every time. And they give you the money's worth of the portion size
If you leave this place hungry that's your own fault.

Portage

My experience is always pleasant and the food is always amazing.  There isn't anything that I've tried, and don't enjoy! Krysten is always helpful and friendly as is the entire staff that I've come in contact with.  Keep up the good work!!

Wonderful food! We were picking up for 7 people. John took our order and was super helpful. Aidan finished things up for us. Both were so nice. The food was wonderful! I've added a new place to eat when I'm in Michigan!!

Powell

Good food at a reasonable price, but the drink + side added more to the total than expected. Worth the money though! Service was phenomenal, I was served by Maria, who was very helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. She absolutely made the visit better  good experience all around, definitely worth a stop!

I like to eat at the Powell City BBQ. We went less frequently after the pandemic hit because they seemed more focused on carry out and less on the customers eating in. Their management seemed to decline, and we frequented it much less.
However, within the last year or so, they brought in a new manager (Tammy) who, I believe, worked at the Henderson store. She has whipped the Powell City BBQ back into shape.
The Beef Brisket is ALWAYS outstanding. Of course, green beans are 5 Star and fries are like you're at the State Fair. Kudos to the Powell store and their current management! City BBQ is back like it was! We will be back regularly!

Raleigh

An absolutely amazing place to go eat! The food is amazing. The manager, Jojo, is so sweet and he and his staff are always so welcoming. A must try for the service and food for sure!!!

Absolutely best experience and best food! Cole and Griffin made the experience unforgettable

I was really hungry after work and decided to try this city barbecue location, I was skeptical at first because I didn't have a good experience at another location. From the moment I walked into this one, Jojo was very helpful. He even let me try the brisket before I ordered it on a sandwich. Everything was nice and hot. The potato salad was EVERYTHING! Jojo checked on me throughout my entire experience which I was grateful for. And the best part: On my way out I bought two cookies, and Paul gave them to me free of charge!!! I'll definitely be back!! Thank you city barbecue Raleigh team!!

Raleigh Catering

We chose City BBQ to cater our wedding and could not have asked for a better experience. We had the pleasure of working with Mariam Ahmad, who went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. She was responsive, accommodating with every request, and genuinely cared about creating the best experience for us. On the day of the wedding, the City BBQ catering team was outstanding. They were professional, polite, and did an incredible job serving our guests and ensuring everyone had a wonderful time. We are so grateful for their efforts and highly recommend City BBQ to anyone looking for wedding catering.

Reynoldsburg

The manager Robin there is amazing and very friendly! She loves to communicate and have fun with her customers creating a great atmosphere! Would recommend to family and friends

Linda's customer service was great. She honestly read my mind.. and made ordering very easy. The food is always great!!

richmond rd

My mother in law wanted some macaroni and cheese and chicken. I recommended City BBQ. She's never been there. She had green beans, macaroni and cheese, sliced turkey, and pulled chicken. We shared a banana pudding for dessert.  I had a great experience with our cashier, very pleasant,  Angele.

Excellent food and excellent service from Cori. Will definitely return and recommend!

Rochester Road

City BBQ never disappoints. The food is always fresh and delicious and the customer service is 10/10. Jack and Allison were both very welcoming and helpful 

Great lunch experience!!! I love this place now. The glazed pork bellies were amazing :)) Tracy, Dro and Tae were so helpful and such a delight. Will definitely be back.

Once you go Reshard, you never go back. Blown away. Jack's customer service made me feel loved and cared for beyond anything.

Sandy Springs

Food is awesome Jordan was great and very friendly. Great place to eat

I placed a $300 order on 7/4/25 for a 4th of July Party I was hosting in Marietta. The food was absolutely amazing. Yes, the wait was long, but the 4th of July is the busiest day of the year in the BBQ industry, and the team did amazing.
I have ordered form this location several times in the past, and I will continue to come back. The service was astounding and despite customer frustrations and an insanely high-volume of orders, the crew stay focused and was very transparent with every customer that came in the door that they were backed up in the kitchen.
Shoutout to every employee associated with the City BBQ in Sandy Springs, especially Jen. You guys crushed it yesterday.

Amber was so sweet and motivated me to upgrade my meal. We love amber.

Snellville

Awesome experience at this location..shout out to Skyler

City BBQ is nothing less than excellent in every aspect of the name! Huge props to DJ for his exceptional service and the rest of the staff for their hard work! 10/10, would come again.

Nikki was very welcoming and professional with a great smile! The food was great we will be back again.

Solon

Let's begin with the blues music they're playing in the restaurant. It of course makes sense and it works. Went there for lunch on a Sunday and I was gobsmacked by how fantastic they are. I have been eating brisket my whole life and this is truly some of the best brisket I have ever had. I had the Beef Brisket sandwich and my friend had the More Cowbell sandwich and we were stuffed - in fact I brought some of my sandwich home along with some of the mac and cheese. And truly everything was delicious. The hushpuppies  aren't at all heavy and with malt vinegar they are an absolute taste sensation. The mac and cheese had the crust on the top which I love and was so yummy. Yes for me and my friend the bill was $40 (we splurged and shared a piece of their to die for triple chocolate cake), but for the amount of food that you're getting it's truly not fast food. In fact everything is made to order and it tastes like it. I want to say this again their brisket is up on another level and their different barbecue sauces take the brisket to an even higher plateau. The employees were all super friendly. The young woman being trained had the best smile and Brandon was a true joy and super helpful. I just wish they had wet naps. I will be back. I must try the banana pudding. My other friend had one of their salads (without the cheese - she's a vegan) and loved it.

Strongsville

Nick, Cameron & Hailey went above and beyond. got me plates, helped load , extra sauces and great attitudes. if I could give it more stars, I would Chris Pariano

Robert and kam were great with assisting me in ordering a delicious meal 100% recommend them and there food

Hailey took care of me while I was there. The hush puppies are my favorite AND YOU HAVE TO TRY THEM!  I love their sauce variety, their meats annnnnd the chocolate cake  

Toledo

Okay, so I've been craving good BBQ since we arrived in Toledo. So far, I've been disappointed or downright disgusted. That changed tonight. We were thrilled with this place. Andrew, who took care of us, was beyond helpful, even offering my companion a taste of one of their side dishes. (Big point right there.) He assured us that the brisket was top notch. He was right. The food was flavorful and the portions were great. The brisket Sammy was off the hook. Tender, melted in your mouth, extremely flavorful. The pulled pork nachos were astonishing, and unexpected. Corn bread was some of the best we've ever had! I waddled out to the car, which was the opposite of my last BBQ session. This place is now one of our go-to's for dinner!

The food is always great but Lisa at the register is a gem! Always kind helpful and personable. She makes you feel like she's so happy to have you in

University Place

Ethan was my server and he did amazing. He was so polite. Was good with menu options . Food is amazing . Thanks again for great service .

Food always amazing, customer service was fantastic, Sabrina and Layla and their staff made us feel special and took care of us. Thank you! We ll be back!

Sabrina was amazing! She was super personable, kind and helpful. The food was delicious and I will keep it in mind whenever I am back in Charlotte. This is a go-to!! You won't be sorry.

West Chester

All 5 stars from me! Mia helped me navigate the menu for my big family and it was just perfect for us with extra left overs. Great food and even better customer service I can't wait to come back.

City BBQ is a great spot for reliable BBQ. Brisket's tender, sauces are tasty, and sides are classic. Super chill vibe, friendly staff, and quick service. Shoutout to Onna for getting our order perfect!

westerville

Catering done by Kim was outstanding    Such a refreshing example of customer service!

Srae was very personable and welcoming- all today's staff was great and fast service!

The workers here were so kind! Thank you Tiffany and Rae for a great experience, great food, and a great time. Would definitely recommend and would get the brisket and Mac n cheese!

Wendell Falls

Dylan makes my visit has outstanding customer service skills!! 10/10 will come again!!

Food was amazing. Brisket tacos on point, fries crisp and salty, and the cornbread was just like grandma's! Atmosphere was very lively and my server Amaya was the best! Excellent hospitality I can see she is dedicated to providing good service to the customers. Cooks can keep rockin' on!

I breeze through the Wendell Falls location drive-through on a regular basis. The food is good and the people there are always very nice. I want to give a special shout out to Bayan,,,, friendly and helpful.

Whitestown

We were greeted by Carter, who was at the front counter who was very friendly and very helpful and helping us to make our selection. In fairness, we were there late in the day before they close and they were out of our favorite brisket, but Carter did recommend the half chicken which they still had. It was delicious. Thank you City BBQ.

Food was amazing and service was quick and effective, Grace had my order out in 2 minutes and the tables were very clean.

Wilmington

We have ordered food from here once before and the food was great. Today we dined in and experienced the best customer service we 've had in a very long time by Brenda! She was great at explaining options, offering samples, checking in on us, and overall providing an experience that makes it worth returning. The food is PHENOMENAL. All meat and sides are fresh and nothing seemed boxed or manufactured. We had the pulled pork, turkey breast, corn pudding, potato salad, green beans, hush puppies, and fries. The atmosphere was also clean and everything stocked. Highly recommend and we will definitely be back!

My best friend and I ate here last night. I have always loved their mac & cheese but now they have a new item on their menu - chicken tender mac & cheese bowl. I wasn't feeling like chicken last night so Josh fixed me a bowl with pulled pork instead. After explaining that this was not on the menu, I told him I would be writing whatever review was necessary to have it added to the menu b/c it was that GOOD!! The service was excellent - the cashier came out to make sure out food was good and to make sure we took our slice of cake that we paid for b/c she didn't see us walk off with it and the lady located at the to-go section was so helpful and kind. I will say that even though this location is new....it have been super clean and remains that way even today.
Thank you to the staff for such an awesome dinner.....I will continue to come back for sure!!

Winston - Salem

Every time I've visited this location I have received the best service. They aren't just nice they make you feel so welcomed! They tell jokes lol it's just so refreshing to get pleasant service! Jay and Shane rocked it today! The food is always good and fresh also! Check them out!

Great service and food. Edrick is the best, he is by far the most engaging employee we've ever experienced. He made the whole trip worth it! We will be back.

Winter Park

Best pulled pork I've ever had. Tee helped em with my order and she had exceptional service. I'll definitely be back with my family for ribs on Tuesday for the deal she told me about (=

Eli was phenomenal with his service. Im taken aback by the sheer level of customer service exhibited today

First visit here with my best friend :) Roby & James gave friendly customer service! The brisket & corn pudding was very yummy :)

Pam and Lily were so helpful!! It was our first time at the restaurant and they guided us through the menu, And made great suggestions!!
Thanks , everything was delicious

WoodRuff Rd

zion was an incredible server!!

Woodstock

Jackson is the best. He suggested our meals and we definitely loved it!! Definitely coming back with the kids. I ordered hand pulled pork and banana pudding i love it!!!

Food was great. Service was WONDERFUL!  Thank you Veronica!  You are AMAZING!

Karina gave us the best service.  My wife and I ordered the brisket.  I also had a rib on the side with corn pudding.  It was very tasty. Five Stars for the Woodstock location.

milestone anniversaries

Congratulations to Matthew Bettschart on celebrating 5 years at our Madison West location. What an incredible milestone—thank you for your dedication and commitment!

QUEMMUNITY

aS kEVIN bENNETT STATED: Remember, a major key to our success in 2024 was the notion that sales are a controllable. 

We do that by being the Mayor in our Town.  We take every opportunity to get out in our community and show them what City BBQ is all about. 

I’ve seen some amazing pictures and heard some awesome stories so far this year. 

If you are not out in your community, ask for help

We have the answers!

End of the year COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

BE A POSITIVE MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY!

Have you participated in any community or charity event/drive, or volunteered for any cause, either as a team or individually, at work, home, church? Please send your information and any photos you can provide to hr@citybbq.com, with Quemmunity in the subject line. We’d love to publish them in a future newsletter under this feature! We want to “share the wealth in a sustainable fashion!”

How do you win the community? Win the hearts of the competition, get them to mention you in their posts. It takes someone to understand how hard we all work to be the best on the block to congratulate them when they are beaten, but then have the courage to step back up and do the next one.

Aletha’s INSIGHT

Reflections on Situational Adaptability:  The Key to Thriving in an Ever-Changing World

In our rapidly evolving world, adaptability has shifted from being a mere desirable trait to an essential skill. Situational adaptability refers to the ability to modify one’s behavior, communication style, and decision-making approach based on the specific context, environment, or circumstances. It’s about understanding the dynamics of a situation and responding in a way that maximizes effectiveness.

The importance of situational adaptability in our business cannot be overstated. We have recognized its value and included it as a core competency for our leaders. Life and work rarely go according to plan. Market shifts, technological advancements, cultural differences, and unexpected challenges require flexibility. Those who can adapt quickly are better equipped to navigate uncertainty without losing focus, build stronger relationships by aligning with others' needs and perspectives, and seize opportunities that arise from change rather than resisting them.

The reality is many factors influencing how you respond to change are beyond your control. However, honing your adaptability allows you to manage these changes with grace. This involves knowing when to ask the right questions if something is unclear, striving to understand the situation fully, and avoiding premature judgments. By embracing these principles, we can navigate our dynamic work environment more effectively and lean into opportunities that arise from change.

Per Our City Map- We know that no two situations are the same and that may time we as leaders need to focus on curiosity vs. jumping to judgment. Work through City Map which outlines what skilled and less skill looks like. Do you have opportunity to strengthen your navigational skills as it relates to being adaptable?

Why does situational adaptability matter to us? As leaders, we are faced with a multitude of challenges, changes, and sometimes even uncomfortable moments that demand us to be different, think differently, and certainly react differently. Life and work rarely unfold as planned. Market shifts, technological advancements, cultural differences, and unexpected challenges demand our flexibility.

I have outlined a few scenarios where situational adaptability comes into play. Take a moment to think through how you would approach each of them:

1. Imagine a sudden shift that impacts how soon something needs to change. How would you adapt your strategy to ensure you execute at a high level and stay on track?

2. Consider a scenario where a team member is struggling with a new rollout. How would you support them while still maintaining the rollout momentum?

3. Picture a situation where cultural differences within the team are causing misunderstandings. How would you address these differences to foster better communication?

4. Envision an unexpected challenge that disrupts your workflow. How would you pivot and find solutions to keep things moving smoothly?

Your thoughts and approaches to these scenarios will help us all grow stronger in our ability to adapt and thrive. Sometimes it can be hard to take a moment and put things into perspective, understating what is important and what is at the root of the concern. Situational adaptability asks us to be flexible and open to change.

A few keys to successful situational adaptability:

• Navigate uncertainty without losing focus.

• Build stronger relationships by aligning with others’ needs and perspectives.

• Gain from opportunities that arise from change rather than resisting them.

Core Elements of Situational Adaptability:

1. Awareness of Context
   Successful adaptability starts with observation—understanding the environment, the people involved, and the underlying factors influencing the situation.

2. Flexibility in Approach
   This means being willing to change strategies, communication styles, or priorities when circumstances shift.

3. Emotional Intelligence
   Recognizing and managing your own emotions, while empathizing with others, helps you respond appropriately under pressure.

4. Decision-Making Agility
   The ability to make timely, informed choices even when information is incomplete is a hallmark of adaptable leaders and teams.

Practical Ways to Build Situational Adaptability:

• Practice active listening to fully understand others before responding.

• Seek diverse perspectives to broaden your problem-solving toolkit.

• Embrace change as a learning opportunity rather than a threat.

• Reflect on past experiences to identify what worked and what didn’t in different scenarios.

Keep SMOK’N top of mind as you work through what Situational Adaptability looks like for you.

~ Aletha Dawson, Senior Director of Training and Recruiting

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