Memphis-style, dry-rubbed, and slow-smoked barbecue has made its way to Newburgh, Ind. Originally founded by Brian and Katie Shonk in Paris, Ill., in July 2009, Memphis & Main BBQ became an established small roadside barbecue stand. With the mission to serve great food and take the guesswork out of barbecuing, Brian worked to perfect his barbecue culinary skills after studying the cuisines of the Midwest and Middle East. Brian and Katie, who lived in Dubai for a year, opened Memphis & Main BBQ in Newburgh in May.
Similar to a yard barn, Memphis & Main BBQ is located in the middle of the parking lot at Newburgh Plaza. It offers a quick, drive-through service to those wanting hassle-free, good eats with hearty portions. If you’re in the mood to stay awhile, you will soon be able to take advantage of the restaurant’s fenced-in, al fresco seating area projected to be completed by the middle of July.
“The best barbecue places come with an explanation,” says Brian, adding that one customer called it a “little shack of goodness.”
Memphis & Main BBQ takes pride in creating sauces made with natural ingredients and has incorporated some non-traditional aspects by using fruit-based items and no high-fructose corn syrup. Customers can choose from the restaurant’s five homemade BBQ sauces: Original, Sweet Pineapple, Carolina Vinegar, Sunshine Mustard, and XXX Ghost Pepper. Customers soon will be able to purchase Memphis & Main BBQ’s bottled sauces at the restaurant, online, and possibly at local stores.
Memphis & Main BBQ meats are smoked over white oak instead of hickory, bringing back the old Tennessee methods of barbecuing, Brian says.
“It’s just using the best meat, the best ingredients, and traditional cooking methods,” Brian says. “Our signature is simple — quality and doing it right.”
Memphis & Main BBQ is located at 4946 Indiana Hwy. 261 in Newburgh, Ind. For more information, call 812-858-0111 or find it on Facebook. Memphis & Main BBQ is open for lunch and dinner Thursday-Sunday from 11 a.m. until sell-out around 7 p.m., May-October.
