Ironhead Barbeque is celebrating its grand opening tomorrow, Saturday, August 23, from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. You can dive into some award-winning BBQ featuring the South’s favorite cuisine.
After two years of running a successful food truck business around the CSRA, owner Kurt Mueller has opened a permanent location at 340 Edgefield Road in North Augusta.
As for many small businesses, it’s a story of building from the ground up, of building a business from lessons learned from the beginning. After working at Apollon Wealth Management, Mueller followed his dream of opening a barbecue business. Apollon’s motto was “Planning is the foundation for success”.
The planning stage for Mueller’s BBQ business began two years ago with a food truck setting up at various businesses and events across the CSRA.
“The food truck helped provide a built-in clientele. It established our brand and was an easier transition to a permanent location,” said Mueller.
Ironhead has received excellent reviews on social media for its lineup of BBQ, including brisket, ribs, chicken, and pulled pork. Side dishes include the usual offerings of collards, Mac n’ Cheese, cole slaw, baked beans, and potato salad.
Mueller is a dad to two boys, Drake, 12, and Gage, 9 years old. They have helped build the business.
“They have been here most every day. They have done a lot of kitchen prep. It teaches them the value of hard work and sacrifice, and what it takes to build their dreams.”
Another lesson learned for Mueller was leasing a building built in 1974. Most recently, it was the Pot Smoker, but over the years, it had been a location for more than 8 different restaurants.
“The wiring, plumbing, and cleaning issues were big challenges after the building sat vacant for more than a year. When all of that was resolved, we opened for takeout the day after we received our health permit.”
Ironhead BBQ recently participated in Kennesaw’s Pig and Peaches Festival. The line for their BBQ was long. Word seems to have gotten out.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1B7fdGxitc/
“We will still provide catering and run our food truck for festivals and other events because it expands our reach.”
What’s next? When Ironhead BBQ opened its food truck two years ago, we asked Mueller what was next. He said Ironhead would be a national brand in five years. That would be 2028.
“I do believe numbers don’t lie. We have a proven concept, so I think it is attainable.”
You can visit Ironhead BBQ here. They are open Thursday through Sunday at their new location.
Editor’s Note: Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia, as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
