A Southern Soul food revival

Moe’s Original BBQ was founded by Mike Fernandez, Ben Gilbert and Jeff Kennedy. After meeting at the University of Alabama, they instantly became friends and had a mutual interest in all things Southern: BBQ, blues, college football, and whiskey.

In 1988, Mike learned to fire roast meats from Tuscaloosa legend Moses Day, whose distinct style makes up Moe’s original flavor of BBQ. Eventually the founding partners all relocated to Vail, CO, where each refined their cooking skills. Together, they created something special by using fruit wood to smoke their meats and complementing them with two sauces.

A trip to Moe’s Original BBQ means a chance to slow down, make connections and enjoy our quality recipes passed down for generations. When you dine with at Moe’s, you’re always the guest. The Moe’s Original team takes pride in ensuring that their customers enjoy themselves as much as their meal. Expect to be served top notch BBQ, soulful sides and a beer or bushwacker complemented by a smile and thank you.

Today, Moe’s Original BBQ has been named in the Top 10 BBQ Chains in America by USA Today and The Daily Meal, one of the fastest growing, emerging restaurant chains by Restaurant Business Magazine, and one of the Top 10 Rib Joints in the U.S. by Relish.

MADE FROM SCRATCH

Our food stands out by feeding your soul and leaving you with that full belly satisfaction. We’ve customized and perfected our recipes over the years so our guests receive perfect flavors. We take pride in our craft by waking up early to fire up the smoker and prepare award-winning BBQ. Everything on the menu is prepared fresh and made to be eaten on the same day. So when it’s gone, it’s gone, but don’t worry, the smoker’s always fired up for next time.

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

Our founding partners were raised in the South and feel it is essential to showcase their heritage in all Moe’s Original BBQ locations. There might be a line out the door but we like to properly welcome our guests, explain our menu and get to know each other. We work hard to provide our patrons with exceptional customer service. Rest assured, your refreshing glass of sweet tea won’t go empty for long and we’ll make sure to take the time to ask how your day’s going.

HARD WORK

Our thriving concept is built on hard work. From waking up early to thinking through each recipe, we pay attention to all of the details. We have built a team of like-minded individuals with common interests and goals. While Moe’s Original BBQ employees are treated like family, they are also given the tools necessary to prosper. Fundamentally, each location is driven to succeed through hard work in a team mandated environment.

I’m a worker. I’ve found that pointing and hollering doesn’t get you too far.
— Jeff Kennedy

Founding Partner

The company is teaching tradition by training the pit crew on all aspects of the business. The owners are trained to encourage originality in their employees and to empower their staff to develop personal strengths. The employees have the freedom to have fun but also foster an empathetic environment of support where each person understands the importance of working together to create the ultimate Moe’s Original BBQ community.

CREATING COMMUNITY

Social gatherings to enjoy a meal are a tradition in the South. So when it’s time for the football tailgate, graduation party or concert, don’t be surprised if you smell our mouthwatering Moe’s Original smoked meats. Whether getting to know one another or feeding families or workers in need, we’re always right there for the community with perfectly seasoned meats, plenty of down home sides and lots of fellowship to go around.

Moe’s Original BBQ makes sure to create authentic experiences through exceptional food and valued community relationships. The company strives to offer a legendary experience whether guests are coming together for a dine in experience, enjoying a picnic or enjoying whiskey and smoked meats on a Saturday afternoon at a tailgate.

EXPANSION

While growing at a manageable, yet aggressive pace, Moe’s Original BBQ has proven that mentoring and growing from within the company by providing opportunities and training for its most hardworking employees leads to entrepreneurial success. Moe’s expands our partnerships by offering its employees a challenging career path and nurturing them for individual and company growth. The talented, up and coming team members who open their own franchises are given the freedom to individualize their locations. Additionally, the franchisees have the opportunity to run their own local promotions and support charities they choose within their own communities.

 
This hand-drawn road map shows the ups and downs of Moe’s, where it has been, and where it is going, while still staying true to the roots it was founded on.

This hand-drawn road map shows the ups and downs of Moe’s, where it has been, and where it is going, while still staying true to the roots it was founded on.

THE FUTURE

And now today, with over 50 locations in AL, CA, CO, FL, GA, KS, LA, ME, MS, NC, OH, SC & VA, Moe’s Original BBQ is continuing to accomplish great things, grow, and evolve. But despite growth and success, Moe’s will always stay grounded by its humble beginnings and ingrained expectations of respect, hard work, and good times!