The Best Old School BBQ in Orlando
If you are looking for a place to enjoy some delicious, authentic and award-winning barbecue in Orlando, look no further than Fuel BBQ. Fuel BBQ is a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves old school, low and slow smoked meats and sides with a modern twist. Whether you are craving brisket, ribs, chicken, pulled pork or sausage, Fuel BBQ has something for everyone.
The History of Fuel BBQ
Fuel BBQ was founded in 2013 by Tom and Jean Van Waes, who have a passion for barbecue and live music. They wanted to create a place where people could enjoy both in a casual and friendly atmosphere. They partnered with The Alley, a popular blues bar in Sanford, and opened Fuel BBQ next door. The Alley has been the home of live blues in Central Florida for over 13 years, hosting local and national acts every week.
The Pitmaster of Fuel BBQ
The pitmaster of Fuel BBQ is Tom Van Waes, who learned the art of barbecue from his father, who was a butcher and a caterer. Tom grew up helping his father prepare meats and sauces for various events, and developed a love for barbecue. He honed his skills over the years, experimenting with different rubs, woods and techniques. He uses a custom-built smoker that can hold up to 700 pounds of meat at a time, and smokes his meats for up to 14 hours using oak and hickory wood. He also makes his own sauces, which range from sweet to spicy.
The Food
The menu of Fuel BBQ features a variety of smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, chicken, pulled pork and sausage. You can order them by the pound, by the plate or by the sandwich. You can also choose from several combo options, such as the Pitmaster’s Choice, which includes brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage, or the Sampler Platter, which includes brisket, ribs and pulled pork. All plates come with two sides and cornbread.
The sides of Fuel BBQ are also made from scratch using fresh ingredients. Some of the most popular sides are the smoked mac-n-cheese, the fried okra, the BBQ beans and the coleslaw. You can also try the collard greens, the potato salad, the green beans or the corn on the cob.
If you have room for dessert, you can indulge in some homemade pies or cakes, such as the pecan pie, the key lime pie or the chocolate cake. You can also order a milkshake or a root beer float to wash it all down.
The Impact of Fuel BBQ on Orlando
Fuel BBQ has become one of the best barbecue restaurants in Orlando, attracting locals and visitors alike. It has won several awards and accolades for its food and service, such as the Best BBQ in Orlando by Orlando Weekly in 2018 and 2019, the Best BBQ in Sanford by Sanford Herald in 2017 and 2018, and the Best BBQ Sauce by Orlando Sentinel in 2016. It has also been featured on various media outlets, such as 10Best.com , Fox 35 News and Orlando Magazine .
Fuel BBQ is not only a place to eat, but also a place to support the community. It regularly hosts fundraisers and events for local charities and causes, such as the Sanford Police Department , the Seminole County Animal Services and the Sanford Jazz Ensemble . It also participates in local festivals and competitions, such as the Sanford Smokin’ Blues & BBQ Festival and the Pig on the Pond BBQ Competition.
The Contact Information of Fuel BBQ
If you want to experience Fuel BBQ for yourself, you can visit them at their location in Sanford:
Fuel BBQ
120 South Park Ave
Sanford FL 32771
(407) 328-4848
You can also check out their website for more information about their menu, catering services and events. You can also follow them on Facebook , Instagram or Twitter for updates and promotions.
Fuel BBQ is open Monday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm (10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday). They also offer takeout and delivery options through online platforms such as Uber Eats , DoorDash and Grubhub .
Fuel BBQ is more than just a restaurant. It is a destination for barbecue lovers who appreciate quality food, friendly service and live music. If you are looking for a place to fuel your appetite and your soul in Orlando, don’t miss Fuel BBQ.
