New Moe’s Original BBQ Location to Open in Columbus, GA

Moe’s Original BBQ will open in early Fall at 1421 6th Ave in Midcity Yards. A trip to Moe’s Original BBQ means a chance to slow down, make connections and enjoy quality recipes passed down for generations. In addition to award-winning food, the rib joint will have a full premium bar and entertainment in the evenings. Open daily from 11am-9pm, the 2200 square foot fast casual restaurant has a 900 square foot deck overlooking Fetch Park, a dog friendly social hub. Moe’s Original BBQ strives to offer a legendary experience whether guests are coming together for a meal in its restaurant or enjoying whiskey and smoked meats on a Saturday afternoon at a tailgate. 

“Being born and raised in Columbus, it has been really cool being able to come back to my hometown to open up a Moe’s Original BBQ here,” said owner Mac Watkins. “As I am already an partner at the Destin, Florida location, I know the awesome food, Southern hospitality and overall atmosphere will prosper here.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Moe’s Original BBQ to the Midcity Yards family,” says Chris Woodruff, President of The Cotton Companies. “This notable brand has cultivated a loyal following for their famous Alabama-style BBQ, and the Columbus community has been craving a staple like this to gather with friends and family over delicious Southern food. With Scofflaw Brewing opening directly across the hall and Fetch Park right outside, Midcity Yards is set to be an active all-day destination for our city.”

Serving Alabama-style BBQ since 1988, 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. Served with red BBQ and Alabama white sauces, the award-winning smoked menu features pulled pork, ribs, wings, turkey and chicken as well as fish and shrimp selections. Prepared fresh daily, a rotation of 60 traditional Southern sides and house made desserts are also offered. Customers can dine in, take out or order catering for parties and events. 

Founded in 2016, The Cotton Companies is a Columbus-based real estate development and investment firm that creates community, human connection, and prosperity through the built environment. They focus on commercial development, stabilized asset investment, and adaptive reuse conversions that honor architectural, cultural, and historic context. Their flexible, entrepreneurial, and aggressive approach to real estate development focuses on adaptive reuse, sustainability, and transformative change. The end result is an asset that provides a sound financial return, is aesthetically pleasing, rooted in its history, culture, people, and place, and enhances the community it calls home. You can find more information at thecottoncompanies.com.

For photos, press kit, menus or to set up media tastings, interviews and cooking segments, please contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For additional information about Moe’s Original BBQ, visit www.moesoriginalbbq.com

Moe’s Original BBQ in Charlottesville, VA Changes Ownership and Hours

Moe’s Original BBQ has changed ownership after seven years. Mike and Ashleigh Abrams have sold the 2119 Ivy Road location to local restauranteur Derek Bond. Starting on Tuesday, Moe’s will continue operating as normal with manager Christina Blount still in charge along with the same great staff. Additionally, on Sunday, August 28th, the fast casual restaurant will be open seven days a week from 11am-8pm. 

“Derek’s a respected member of the Charlottesville community with years of experience in the culinary industry,” said Ashleigh Abrams. “We are so excited for the new ownership and leadership that will carry on the Moe’s experience on Ivy Road as well as continue rockin’ the food truck around town.”

“Moe’s is a cool concept with some of the best Southern made from scratch food that I have ever enjoyed,” stated Bond. “It also offers a very lively atmosphere that is fun and caters to customers looking to get a quick bite or hang around to enjoy the vibe and company of others.”

Recognized with many awards, Moe’s Original BBQ has been named one of the Top 10 Rib Joints in the U.S. by Relish and Top 10 BBQ Chains in America by USA Today and The Daily Meal. Served with red BBQ and Alabama white sauces, Moe’s Original BBQ’s award-winning smoked menu features pulled pork, ribs, wings, smoked turkey, chicken as well as catfish and shrimp. Down home Southern sides and tasty desserts complete the menu. While providing a family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor patio, Moe’s Original BBQ is a local watering hole for the surrounding neighborhoods as well as a go-to hang out for all UVA students.

For interviews, photos, a press kit, menus or complimentary media tasting, contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For additional information about Moe’s Original BBQ, visit Moe’s Original BBQ.

 

8th Annual Firkin Fest Set in Downtown Mobile, AL

Moe’s Original BBQ and Budweiser Busch Distributing announce the 8th Annual Firkin Festival to be held on Saturday, May 14th at 701 Spring Hill Avenue in downtown Mobile. Benefiting Fuse Project, the craft beer event features local and regional breweries showcasing their creativity by adding unique flavors or spins on distinctive cask brewed ales. Firkins use a natural fermentation process to carbonate the beer. The liquid is typically served slightly below room temperature and will have a smoother, lighter carbonated body due to the natural carbonation process. This year’s participating breweries include Back Forty, Braided River, Fairhope, Folklore, Ghost Train, Grayton Beer, Oyster City, Props and Urban South.

“Each of the nine regional breweries are bringing a specialty beer that they have brewed just for this event,” said Ashley Wood, Craft Beer Manager for Budweiser-Busch Distributing. “They will be poured from a firkin, a barrel made of stainless steel that holds `10.8 gallons of beer.”

Doors for the festival will open at 2pm with a tapping ceremony at 2:30pm. Sampling ends at 5:30pm followed by an awards ceremony. Additionally, there will be live music from East LA Fadeaway and cornhole competition. The all-inclusive Firkin Fest tickets are $25 in advance at eTix, $30 at door and includes entrance to the festival, samples of each firkin, crawfish, sample glass, koozie, literature, games and live music.

Recognized with many awards, Moe’s Original BBQ has been named one of the Top 10 Rib Joints in the U.S. by Relish and Top 10 BBQ Chains in America by USA Today and The Daily Meal. Served with red BBQ and Alabama white sauces, Moe’s Original BBQ’s award-winning smoked menu features pulled pork, ribs, wings, turkey, chicken, sausage as well as catfish and shrimp. Down home Southern sides and tasty desserts complete the menu. The 7400 square foot venue is also a popular nightlife spot with full premium bars, high definition TVs and live music. 

For interviews, photos, a press kit, menus or complimentary media tasting, contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For additional information about the event or Moe’s Original BBQ, visit Moe’s Original BBQ.

Moe’s Original BBQ Set to Open in Hartselle, AL

After owning Moe’s Original BBQ locations in Decatur and Priceville, Ryan Helsley is bringing the award-winning eatery on March 7th to Hartselle at 200 Main St W. in the former Bentley’s at the Outhouse spot. Serving up a Southern Soul Food Revival, the fast casual restaurant features Alabama-style BBQ and down home sides and desserts served in a large dining room with outdoor seating in the rear. For locals looking for a a cool place to hang out, eat great food and drink a beer, this rib joint will be perfect. Patrons will enjoy a full bar with 13 TVs, a pool table and nightly events throughout the week such as karaoke, bingo, and live music. Dine in, take out and catering for parties and special events is also available. There is also an upstairs mezzanine available for full service private events such as wedding parties, birthdays, reunions and more.  

“Opening a location in Hartselle had been on my mind for awhile. As this spot is in the heart of the up and coming downtown area, it seemed like the right time and location for a Moe’s,” said Helsley. “We already do tons of catering business in the area and the residents are already familiar with our brand.”

Serving Alabama-style BBQ since 1988, 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. Guests can dine in or take out daily starting at 11am. Full service catering for parties and events is also available.

To learn more information about Moe’s Original BBQ, please visit www.moesoriginalbbq.com. For interviews, photos, press kit, menus or to set up a cooking segment, contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com.

Moe’s Original BBQ Announces The Infamous Stringdusters Listening Parties

Prior to The Infamous Stringdusters releasing its latest record, select Moe’s Original BBQs across the country will exclusively host listening parties on Thursday, February 17th starting at 5pm. Fans are invited to come listen to the new album, Toward the Fray, grab some Bama-style BBQ and enjoy brews and bushwackers. In addition to listening to the new album, guests can enjoy various food and drink specials, ticket giveways (in cities where the band is touring) and more.

“There’s something to be said about the relationship between music, great food and good times. So it came to us as a no-brainer to partner with Moe’s Original BBQ for a nationwide listening party,” said The Infamous Stringdusters. “We encourage everyone to come and get down on some award-winning ‘que and saddle up to enjoy our new album, Toward the Fray before it comes out on Feb 18th on Americana Vibes.”

Serving Alabama-style BBQ since 1988, 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. Guests can dine in or take out daily starting at 11am. Full service catering for parties and events is also available. To learn more information about Moe’s Original BBQ, please visit www.moesoriginalbbq.com. For interviews, photos, press kit, menus or to set up a cooking segment, please contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com.

The Infamous Stringdusters is a progressive acoustic/bluegrass band, who first emerged in 2006, consisting of members Andy Hall (dobro), Chris Pandolfi (banjo), Andy Falco (guitar), Jeremy Garrett (fiddle) and Travis Book (bass). The “Dusters” have won multiple awards at the IBMAs and earned a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album. Once again, the band is currently nominated for a Grammy for the album, A Tribute to Bill Monroe. In support of the new release, the band will be touring nationwide. To learn more about the band, tour dates or purchase the new album, visit www.thestringdusters.com. For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Maria Ivey of IVPR at maria@ivpr.com.

 

Vintage Hospitality Group Takes Top Alabama Hospitality Award

Martha and Jud Blount, Eric and Alyssa Rivera

Vintage Hospitality Group gains recognition with prestigious honors at the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s Stars of the Industry Awards. Proprietor Jud Blount won the Restaurateur of the Year award for showing exemplary customer and community service, employee relations, and dedication to advancing the foodservice industry of Alabama. Executive Chef Eric Rivera was a finalist in the Chef of the Year category for his creative culinary excellence, staff rapport and reputation of community involvement. Both were nominated by their peers and an esteemed panel of judges as of the “Best of the Best” for 2021. 

“Eric and I are honored and humbled to bring home the trophy to Montgomery,” said Vintage Hospitality Group Proprietor Jud Blount. “We celebrate the honors along with our committed VHG team.”

While Vintage Hospitality Group’s flagship restaurant Vintage Year is a fine dining establishment, Vintage Café is a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. As the group also owns the hydroponic farm MGM Greens, it will be also opening City Fed in downtown in early 2022 that will include Ravello, a new Italian eatery, along with several private event spaces. Vintage Hospitality Group’s national press accolades include receiving mentions in the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes and Newsweek Magazines. In addition to being named a Smart Catch Leader, Executive Chef Eric Rivera has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a winner of its Blended Burger competition. Vintage Year has also been named one of OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America and a Traveler’s Choice winner by Trip Advisor. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest culinary selections, premium coffees, specialty teas, outstanding wines and spirits along with unparalleled customer service.

For additional information, interviews, photos or a complimentary media tasting, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehg.com

Moe’s Original BBQ’s New Madison, AL Location Opens Early Next Month

Set to open in early October, Moe’s Original BBQ’s latest area location is at 102 St. Louis Street in the new Town Madison development. Conveniently nestled in The Heights area of the community and just steps from Toyota Field, the fast casual restaurant will serve its award-winning menu featuring a variety of smoked meats, fried fish and shrimp, salads, nachos, stuffed potatoes, and a rotation of traditional Southern sides and house made desserts. Reachable by I-565, Moe’s will be the perfect lunch spot for anyone working at Redstone Arsenal, in Research Park or any surrounding area businesses. Families can gather for an easy dinner while students at UAH can also look forward to evenings full of happy hour, bingo, trivia, live music and more just minutes from campus. 

“We’re excited to be one of the first restaurant’s going in Town Madison which is easily accessible to workers, families and students,” said co-owner Mike Ellis. “Additionally, with many seasons of baseball, concerts, and fireworks on the horizon nearby, Moe’s Original BBQ will be the headquarters for pregame drinks, postgame hangouts, and everything in between.”

The eatery features an impressive 4,000 square foot layout which includes a large, covered patio and overhead doors. Equipped with dozens of big screen TVs and a full bar, Moe’s Original BBQ will also be the go-to spot for all season sports viewing, where patrons can sit comfortably at tables, raised booths, bar seating and plenty of outdoor seats. Its signature frozen alcoholic drink, the Bushwacker, will also be flowing with dozens of other specialty drinks, cocktails, and an assortment of cold beers on tap.

All are offered dine-in or carryout. Serving Alabama-style BBQ since 1988, 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. Guests can dine in or take out daily starting at 11am. Full service catering for parties and event is also available.

To learn more information about Moe’s Original BBQ, Please visit www.moesoriginalbbq.com. For interviews, photos, press kit, menus or to set up a cooking segment, please contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com.

Moe’s Original BBQ Inspires its Employees To Become Entrepreneurs

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. The thriving Moe’s Original BBQ concept is unlike most franchises as it expands its partnerships from within the company through a model that offers its staff a challenging career path and nurtures them for individual and company growth. Its philosophy is to entice young folks into the BBQ field and give them the opportunity of culinary training, knowledge, confidence, life skills and all of the overall tools necessary to prosper and lead to entrepreneurial success. Moe’s Original BBQ is always looking for hardworking crew members who take pride in ensuring that its customers enjoy themselves as much as their meal. Building its team around like-minded individuals who share common values, morals and goals, the company teaches tradition when training its crew. 

“Our partners are trained to encourage originality in their team and to empower their staff to develop personal strengths,” said founding partner Jeff Kennedy. “We allow our pit crew the freedom to have fun but also foster an empathetic environment of support where each person understands the importance of working hard together to create the ultimate Moe’s Original BBQ community.”

Serving Alabama-style BBQ since 1988, 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. Served with red BBQ and Alabama white sauces, the award-winning smoked menu features pulled pork, ribs, wings, turkey and chicken as well as fish and shrimp selections. Prepared fresh daily, a rotation of 60 traditional Southern sides and house made desserts are also offered. While Moe’s Original BBQ growing at a manageable, yet aggressive pace, its makes sure to create authentic experiences through exceptional food and valued community relationships. 

To  learn more information about Moe’s Original BBQ, visit www.moesoriginalbbq.com. For interviews, cooking segments, recipes, photos, press kit or menus, please contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com.

 

2nd Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam Announced

Presented by Drifter Merch and Ear for Music, 2nd Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam will be on Saturday, September 11th from 7-11pm. The first event to be held at the new Refinery Amphitheater in Downtown Charleston, Drifter Fest will feature live music from jam band Indecision with local favorite Junco Partner opening. A free pre-jam to kick off the weekend festivities will be on Friday, September 10th from 8-11pm at Home Team BBQ downtown with entertainment provided by Atlanta’s Last Waltz Ensemble.

A portion of proceeds will benefit Carolina Studios, which is Mark Bryan of Hootie and the Blowfish’s non-profit that fosters creative, educational, and career-focused initiatives for students through music, technology and media arts. In partnership with local businesses, sponsors include Slane Irish Whiskey, Truly Hard Seltzer, Southern Flavor Magazine, MassMutual South Carolina, Rodgers Wranglers, Eskimo Advertising, and Carolina Audio Video. Providing a true festival experience, the event will have craft vendors such as Drifter Merch, Zinnialou Jewelry, Cotton Patch Hemp, SunHeist Eyewear GrillKilt and ICEMULE Coolers. Additionally, local favorites Callie’s Biscuits and The Immortal Lobster food trucks will be on site. 

While Friday night’s music is free, Saturday’s event will be ticketed with general admission available for $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. A limited number of $50 VIP tickets will include GA access plus a second level viewing area above the event, two drink tickets, private bar, seating, bathrooms & premium parking as well as a commemorative laminate. Tickets go on sale on Friday, July 9th at 10am at City Paper Tickets.

Drifter Fest celebrates the life of the late Bert Griggs. A huge fan of live music, Bert also turned his passion into a well received apparel and accessories company, Drifter Merch, that was inspired by his favorite bands. Additionally, Bert was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, and friend. Bert had an innate ability to make everyone he met feel like they were the most important person in the room. He never met a stranger. In fact, he was everyone’s best friend. He had the sweetest soul and a tender heart that loved hard and deeply. Bert had a unique sense of humor with an infectious laugh and smile that could light up the darkest room. 

For interviews, photos, media passes, sponsorship or additional information, please contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about the 2nd Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam, visit www.drifterfest.com

Vintage Year to Offer Burger Week for July 4th Holiday

                                                   Mac Attack

Vintage Year restaurant presents Burger Week during the week leading up to the July 4th holiday from Tuesday, June 29th-Saturday, July 3rd. Along with the regular and burger menus, the daily special burgers include the Mac Attack, Guacamole Burger, Cajun Seafood Burger, James Beard award-winning Blended Burger, and The Great Fondue Burger for $15 each. The full burger menu will be available each evening for in house dining or take out. 

“Customers love it when we offer a special burger menu,” said Executive Chef Eric Rivera. “Plus, we always like to offer an easy family option for those not traveling over the holiday”.

While Vintage Hospitality Group’s flagship restaurant Vintage Year is a fine dining establishment, Vintage Café is a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. As the group also owns the hydroponic farm MGM Greens, it will be also opening City Fed and Ravello restaurant in downtown in late 2021. Vintage Hospitality Group’s national press accolades include receiving mentions in the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes and Newsweek Magazines. In addition to being named a Smart Catch Leader, Executive Chef Eric Rivera has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a winner of its Blended Burger competition. Chef Eric has also led Vintage Year to be named one of OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America and a Traveler’s Choice winner by Trip Advisor. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest culinary selections, premium coffees, specialty teas, outstanding wines and spirits along with unparalleled customer service.

For additional information, interviews, photos or a complimentary media tasting, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehospitalitygroup.com