Local BBQ joints keep holiday traditions smokin’
The holidays are all about tradition — from family gatherings to festive tables, and unforgettable meals. But this year, why not let someone else handle the heat? All three of Owensboro’s beloved barbecue joints are continuing their long-standing tradition of custom holiday cooking, making it easy to serve a feast without the stress.
John Foreman, owner of Old Hickory Bar-B-Que, said custom cooking has been part of their story since day one.
Photo by Jamie pPlain
“I remember wrapping turkeys and hams for the holidays when I was 11. That was 44 years ago,” he said.
At Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, third-generation co-owner Patrick Bosley said customers are already ordering their seasonal favorites. Over at Ole South Barbecue, owner Greg Floyd said their custom cooking and family packs help take the guesswork out of holiday meals.
Smoked hams and turkeys remain the top picks for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but each restaurant sees a few unique favorites. Green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese are the most-ordered sides across the board. Bosley added that apples and corn dishes are popular at Moonlite, while Floyd said cornbread stuffing is a big hit at Ole South.
With demand ramping up, all three restaurants encourage customers to place their orders early. Foreman said custom orders at Old Hickory take about three days, with deadlines set for the Monday before Thanksgiving and December 21 for Christmas.
Holiday orders are being taken for the holidays, and they are assessing their inventory to see what needs to be ordered. Bosley said because of the supply chain disruptions, Moonlite is getting contracts started for hams and turkeys, so they have the necessary amount. Moonlite’s catering and carryout operations also shift into high gear.
“We basically have four areas running during the holidays — the restaurant, carryout, custom cooking, and catering,” Bosley said. “Our carryout really ramps up this time of year. During the holidays, we feed more people away than we do in the dining room. But it’s all out of the same kitchen.”
He added that some businesses order hundreds of hams and turkeys for employees, while loyal customers make the same orders year after year. To keep up, Moonlite runs an extra shift after closing each night and relies on seasonal workers — often college students or returning staff.
Floyd said Ole South stays busy with both individual and corporate catering.
“We are appreciative that they allow us to do it,” he said. “We put out a great product, so they keep coming back.”
Foreman said the holidays bring everything from company parties to weddings and family reunions.
“I think it is important to offer these services because people are so busy around the holidays,” Foreman said. “We help by taking the stress off them.”
That help adds up — Old Hickory alone often cooks around 1,200 turkeys for Thanksgiving and as many as 2,000 hams and turkeys for Christmas.
As you plan your own holiday meal, consider letting these local legends lend a hand. Each offers custom cooking for meats you bring in or options by the pound — plus plenty of sides and desserts to round out the table. Because sometimes, the best holiday tradition is letting the pitmasters do the work. OL
