City Barbeque has been named the winner of Nation’s Restaurant News’ Barbecue Showdown, in which seven emerging barbecue restaurant chains competed for the title of readers’ favorite.
Barbecue is specifically regional, touching every corner of the country in different ways, and people feel pretty strongly about their barbecue. Whether it’s from the South or a mix of every regional barbecue, each of these chains had something different and unique to offer its customers.
What set apart Columbus, Ohio-based City Barbeque was its brand positioning and dedication to featuring a variety of barbecue styles. The fast-casual chain, with 67 locations in eight states, even promoted a “Flavors of America Road Trip” featuring five regionally distinct menu items.
When put up against six other emerging barbecue restaurants — Jim ‘N Nick’s, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Smokey Bones, GQue Barbecue, Mighty Quinn’s and Soulman’s — City Barbeque was easily named a finalist along with Jim ‘N Nick’s. This week, readers deemed it their favorite by voting on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Meet all seven barbecue restaurants here, and stay tuned for NRN’s next showdown.