Red's True Barbecue

Tuesday 25 November 2014
reading time: min, words

Let there be meat!

The January blues are set to turn a brighter shade of Red next year, with the launch of Red’s True Barbecue, creating 65 new jobs.  The much talked about authentic American smokehouse will bring its gospel brand of low and slow smoked meat to the city for the first time, making home in the former FOPP Records store on Queen Street.

The two year-old company, owned by restaurateurs James Douglas and Scott Munro, is investing more than £1.1m developing the former Boots headquarters. Plans to transform the 5,500 square foot building include the brand’s signature open-plan kitchens, giving diners in the 160 cover restaurant the chance to watch the Pitmasters in action, preparing and smoking the meat and tending the open-fire pits, while they eat.

An off-the-wall design theme pastiching an abandoned US-type trailer park will weave throughout the building, providing a unique dining experience. The restaurant will feature split-level and private dining booths, dedicated bar and takeout area, a stage to host regular live music events and even a decommissioned Detroit tattoo studio.

Customers will be able to order from an extensive ‘regional celebration of true barbecue’ menu.  The low and slow style of cooking, found across the southern states of America, takes huge cuts of pork, beef, chicken and sausage and dry rubs and marinades it for 24hrs before being cooked indirectly over fruitwoods and oak in bespoke-made American smokers. This form of barbecue helps the meat to self baste and remain tender and flavourful.

Reds Let there be meat

Red’s Nottingham will be the company’s fourth site in the UK. The business, which hails from Leeds, has two sites in its home city and a third in Manchester.

James Douglas, co-founder of Red’s, said: “Both Scott and I have spent many a night out in Nottingham and have always thought if the right location came up we had to open here; it’s a cool city, with loads going on.

“The local area around us is already buzzing with cool eateries, and we think the addition of Red’s will continue to help transform this part of Nottingham into a brilliant destination for a great day or night out. We’re excited to open the doors in January and show people what we’ve done with this incredible building. It’s sure to raise a smile and bring something unique to the dining out offering in Nottingham.”

The award-winning smokehouse is well known for its blend of traditional and quirky takes on American barbecue. Dishes include Memphis-dry St Louis ribs, Black Angus brisket, 16hr smoked pulled pork and its now famous Donut Burger; two 100% steak burgers, melted double cheese and smoked peppered bacon, all between two sweet glazed donuts.

Scott Munro, co-founder at Red’s, said: “We’re searching for full and part time roles at all levels, both front and back of house. Our Pitmaster roles are particularly exciting. We have an academy in place where we look to take the most promising candidates and fly them out to the US to work in one of the smokehouses we have partnerships with, to learn the art form from those that started it.”

They're hiring! visit www.truebarbecue.com or email [email protected]

The restaurant will open at the end of January.

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