Though The Barbecue Spot built a faithful following on Santa Rosa Avenue, many people were not thrilled about the location. The walk-up space just north of Todd Road clearly had become too small
A new, larger version opened Oct. 17 in downtown Santa Rosa’s Brickyard Center, in the corner space vacated two years ago by Mr. Hof-Brau at 458 B Street. It’s three times bigger and can accommodate more than 100 diners.
The menu includes pulled pork, hot links, chicken and brisket sandwiches at around $11 each, a half rack of ribs for $15.75, and similar dinner plates from $14-$25. Groups of three to eight also can order “feasts” for $53-$103.
Owner Rob Fernandez, 32, said he loves the new location, which has a different vibe and brings in a more consistent clientele, with people who work downtown coming in for lunch. About half the customers are first-timers, he said.
“It’s more of a destination,” added Jodi Palmigiano, who runs the catering portion of the business. “There’s something special for everyone here.”
In addition to a restaurant, the space is large enough to hold a banquet room and a taproom. Even the menu will expand, with new appetizers and healthier choices, such as salads and a chicken brisket sandwich.
Fernandez has been barbecuing in the traditional Texas and Memphis styles for eight years. He started with a smoker in his own backyard, refining his method and upgrading his cooker until he was ready to go public.
The Barbecue Spot, open for three years, prides itself on real slow-cooked barbecue, with ribs that cook for four hours, pork for 12 to 14 hours and brisket for 15 hours.
Its barbecue took second place in this year’s Wine Country Big Q, losing to Guy Fieri.
The Barbecue Spot is open at 458 B St., Santa Rosa, from 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It is closed Sundays. Diners order at the counter and seat themselves. For more information, call 585-2616 or visit thebbqspot.net.
Contact Santa Rosa Towns correspondent Ann Hutchinson at santarosatowns@gmail.com.
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