1601 21st Ave. S
Nashville, TN 37203
Sunday - Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Central BBQ, known for authentic and consistently delicious Memphis-style BBQ, opened its doors in Hillsboro Village today, May 11, 2021. The Hillsboro Village opening marks the brand’s sixth BBQ joint in Tennessee and second in Nashville, joining a location in Capitol View. To celebrate, Central BBQ Hillsboro hosted a Healthcare Heroes Happy Hour preview event on May 7 to give Music City’s medical professionals a free meal and a sneak peek at the new location. Central BBQ Hillsboro will also host a Grand Opening event, in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines, on June 15, 2021 (also known in Nashville as 615 Day!), with a ribbon cutting ceremony and other promotions and giveaways for its customers.
Founded in Memphis in 2002 by Craig Blondis and Roger Sapp, Central BBQ is famous for its award-winning, competition-worthy barbecue – and CBQ Hillsboro is no different. Guests can expect savory meats, sandwiches, nachos and, of course, traditional sides and desserts.
“We may make Memphis-style barbecue, but we love Nashville and are excited to be open in Hillsboro Village,” said Craig Blondis, co-founder of Central BBQ. “Serving the community, sharing our craft and extending Southern hospitality has always been our goal in Nashville, first, with CBQ Capitol View and now with CBQ Hillsboro. Whether it’s your first time or you know us from Memphis, we want you to feel like family. So come on in, get some ribs and banana pudding, and relax. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon.”
SMOKE IS OUR SAUCE
At Central BBQ, Blondis has implemented a unique technique where smoke is the sauce. Local wood, intricate dry rub and years of experience help to craft the most tender, delicious ‘que – with or without the sauce. The CBQ Hillsboro menu echoes the Capitol View and Memphis area locations, including award-winning BBQ favorites like the Pulled Pork Sandwich, Ribs, and BBQ Nachos, made with pork, beef, turkey or meatless in addition to crowd-favorite sides like Fries, Mac ‘N Cheese, Slaw, Greens and Beans. Add CBQ’s Banana Pudding for the perfect ending to any meal.
ROOM FOR EVERYONE
Central BBQ’s Hillsboro Village space is inspired by Southern hospitality, with a warm, authentic atmosphere. This barbecue joint is a place to gather with friends, family and neighbors, in accordance with safety and social distancing protocols, as the opening will comply with all COVID-19 health and safety standards. There is ample room in the two-floor, 5,300 square foot space to accommodate diners, and even host future private events thanks to a spacious upstairs area equipped for banquets, meetings, receptions and more. Located on a bustling corner in the former Sportsman’s Grille location, the restaurant offers valet parking for guest convenience. With a to-go window built in for curbside pickup, and delivery options available online, BBQ aficionados can easily navigate the best way to take their ‘que on the road.
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATIONS
During the Grand Opening celebration on June 15, 2021, Central BBQ will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to formally commemorate its new joint. The restaurant will also offer craft beer selections from Wiseacre Brewing Co. and Yazoo Brewing Co., as well as a limited-edition loyalty punch card, available exclusively to those that join the celebration. Card holders will receive a free “picnic pack” once they acquire five punches from the Central BBQ Hillsboro location. The pack will have a regular CBQ pork sandwich, choice of side, drink and a small banana pudding.
Additionally, a portion of all proceeds from the week of Grand Opening will benefit Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital as a continuation of Central BBQ’s dedication to giving back to its community.
ABOUT CENTRAL BBQ
Craig Blondis and Roger Sapp met on the barbecue circuit after competing in the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, along with many other local and regional BBQ competitions. After finding a shared love for smoked meats and the Memphis Tigers, Blondis and Sapp made the leap from friends to business partners by opening Central BBQ. In the 19 years since opening the first location on Central Avenue in Memphis’ Midtown neighborhood, the number of restaurants has grown but the same powerful sense of Southern hospitality, one-of-a-kind BBQ and love for smoked meats is something the brand will never outgrow.
For additional information and news about Central BBQ, please visit www.eatcbq.com or follow the restaurant on Instagram and Facebook.
