Caro-Bama BBQ: The Best of Carolina and Alabama BBQ in Orlando
If you are looking for a place to enjoy some delicious barbecue in Orlando, you should definitely check out Caro-Bama BBQ. This restaurant offers a unique blend of the BBQ traditions of the Carolinas and Alabama, creating mouthwatering dishes that will satisfy your cravings. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Caro-Bama BBQ, including its history, its pitmaster, its menu, its impact on Orlando, and its awards.
The History of Caro-Bama BBQ
Caro-Bama BBQ was founded in June 2010 by Lora and Brandon Gantt, a couple who wanted to share their love for barbecue with the community. Lora is from the Carolinas, while Brandon is from Alabama, and they both grew up with different styles of barbecue. They decided to combine their recipes and techniques to create a unique fusion of flavors that reflects their heritage.
They started as a small catering business, then expanded to a food truck that roamed around Orlando. In 2017, they opened their first brick-and-mortar location at the North Quarter Market, a food hall that features various local vendors. Since then, they have been serving and catering the best of Carolina and Alabama BBQ to their loyal customers.
The Pitmaster of Caro-Bama BBQ
The pitmaster of Caro-Bama BBQ is Brandon Gantt, who is also the co-owner and the husband of Lora. Brandon is responsible for smoking the meats and preparing the sauces that make Caro-Bama BBQ stand out. He uses a custom-built smoker that can hold up to 500 pounds of meat at a time, and he cooks them low and slow for hours to achieve the perfect tenderness and flavor.
Brandon also makes his own sauces from scratch, using ingredients that reflect his Alabama roots. He offers two signature sauces: the Bama White Sauce and the Sweet Home Sauce. The Bama White Sauce is a tangy mayonnaise-based sauce that goes well with chicken and turkey. The Sweet Home Sauce is a tomato-based sauce that has a sweet and spicy kick that complements pork and beef.
The Menu of Caro-Bama BBQ
The menu of Caro-Bama BBQ features a variety of dishes that showcase the best of both Carolina and Alabama barbecue. You can choose from different meats, such as pulled pork, brisket, chopped chicken, turkey breast, ribs, sausage, and wings. You can also customize your sandwich or platter with your choice of bread, sauce, toppings, and sides.
Some of the most popular items on the menu are:
The Kitchen Sink: A sandwich that has almost everything: pulled pork, brisket, chopped chicken, Bama White Sauce, Sweet Home Sauce, slaw, banana peppers, and jalapenos. This is a huge sandwich that will fill you up for sure.
The Brisket Philly: A sandwich that has sliced brisket, grilled onions and peppers, provolone cheese, and Bama White Sauce on a hoagie roll. This is a tasty twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak.
The Porky Mac: A platter that has pulled pork topped with macaroni and cheese, Sweet Home Sauce, and crispy onions. This is a comfort food that will make you happy.
The Smoked Turkey Salad: A salad that has smoked turkey breast, mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, croutons, and Bama White Sauce as dressing. This is a light and refreshing option for those who want something healthy.
You can also order some delicious sides to go with your main dish, such as baked beans, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, cornbread muffins, and more.
The Impact of Caro-Bama BBQ on Orlando
Caro-Bama BBQ has not only been serving great food to Orlando residents and visitors but also been making a positive impact on the community. The restaurant has been supporting local farmers and businesses by sourcing their ingredients locally whenever possible. They have also been participating in various events and festivals around the city, such as Tasty Tuesdays in the Milk District, Orlando Food Truck Bazaar, and Central Florida Veg Fest.
Caro-Bama BBQ has also been giving back to the community by donating food and money to various causes and organizations, such as Second Harvest Food Bank, Orlando Union Rescue Mission, and One Heart for Women & Children. They have also been hosting fundraisers and catering events for schools, churches, and nonprofits.
The Awards
Caro-Bama BBQ has been recognized for its excellence in barbecue by winning several awards over the years. Some of the most notable awards are:
- Best Food Truck in Orlando** by Orlando Weekly in 2015, 2016, and 2017
- Best BBQ in Orlando** by Orlando Sentinel in 2016 and 2017
- Best BBQ Sandwich in Florida** by USA Today in 2018
- Best BBQ Sauce in the South** by Southern Living in 2019
These awards are a testament to the quality and taste of Caro-Bama BBQ, and a reason to try it out if you haven’t already.
The Address and Contact Information of Caro-Bama BBQ
If you are interested in visiting Caro-Bama BBQ, you can find them at the following address:
Caro-Bama BBQ North Quarter
885 N Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32801
You can also call them at (407) 342-5066 or visit their website at caro-bamabbq.com for more information.
You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay updated on their latest news and specials.
Caro-Bama BBQ is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or until they sell out. They also offer catering services for any occasion, from weddings to corporate events. You can contact them through their website or phone number to request a quote.
Conclusion
Caro-Bama BBQ is one of the best restaurants in Orlando that offers a unique blend of Carolina and Alabama barbecue. Whether you are looking for a sandwich, a platter, or a salad, you will find something that will satisfy your taste buds. You will also be supporting a local business that cares about the community and the environment. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Caro-Bama BBQ today and enjoy some of the best barbecue in town!
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