BBQ Food Trailer Opening Brick and Mortar in North Augusta With Ambitions to Franchise

Ironhead Barbeque, a North Augusta food trailer with roots in competition barbecue, is expanding into a brick and mortar. Their new location will be at 340 Edgefield Rd, North Augusta, SC 29841, in the former home of The Pot Smoker BBQ, owner Kurt Mueller shared with Business Debut.

The restaurant is expected to open within 90 days. Mueller said the space is just over 3,700 square feet and estimates it will seat over 100 guests at once. Ironhead Barbeque will also feature a drive through.

The format will be fast casual. Guests will order at the counter, receive a number, and have their food brought out to them.

Mueller shared his vision for Ironhead Barbeque directly: to be the best barbecue in the country. He does not mince words about this goal. At this new location, he plans to establish systems and strategies with the intention of franchising the concept nationwide.

Three core values drive the business, Mueller said:

• Family and community: creating a space where people can connect over a hearty meal.
• Sacrifice: as a Citadel graduate, Mueller views sacrifice as fundamental to building something lasting.
• Uniqueness: When asked what style of barbecue he makes—Texas, Carolina, Memphis, West Coast —Mueller’s answer is always “Ironhead Style.” The food truck menu typically includes pulled pork, brisket, baby back ribs, tri-tip, beef DINO ribs, sandwiches, and more. “I’m always going to challenge the status quo,” he said.

Ironhead Barbeque has its roots in a 2021 competition barbecue setup that Mueller was part of. After receiving strong feedback and catering requests, Mueller transitioned from a career in financial planning to running the Ironhead Barbeque food truck full time in September 2023.

The upcoming restaurant will operate Thursday through Sunday. Thursday will be dinner only, Friday and Saturday will offer lunch and dinner, and Sunday will serve lunch only.

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