Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
It didn’t take long for word to spread about Salem’s newest barbecue destination.
Big Daddy’s BBQ & Sweet Shack, located at 602 W. Fourth St., officially opened July 15 and has remained busy ever since.
“We basically stay steady pretty much every day,” said owner Brent Bowles. The location, he added, helps ensure steady business. “It’s a heavily traveled road, and we needed somewhere with enough space outside to accommodate our smoker.”
Big Daddy’s specializes in authentic Texas-style barbecue — a departure from the Southern-style options typically found in the Roanoke Valley. The most popular menu item so far is the Texas Trinity, a platter featuring brisket, sausage (regular or spicy) and pork spare ribs.
Bowles first launched Big Daddy’s as a food truck in 2016, stepped away for a few years, and rebooted the concept in 2023 before deciding to move into a brick-and-mortar space.
“I’ve always been a fan of Texas barbecue,” he said. “We wanted to do something different — something Salem doesn’t have.”
Everything from the rubs to the sauces is Texas-based. Menu standouts include smoked jalapeño poppers and oversized “dinosaur” beef ribs. The Sweet Shack portion of the restaurant features Tillamook ice cream and, starting this fall, smoked pies such as pecan, apple and pumpkin.
The restaurant also boasts a full bar with an emphasis on higher-end bourbons, whiskeys and vodkas. Big Daddy’s is currently staffed by 13 to 15 employees.
Hours are 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday.
Bowles said he hopes the unique concept, convenient location and steady flow of customers will continue helping the restaurant stand out in Salem’s growing food scene.
