BBQ pros take their ribs on the road

The inaugural Rhythm ‘n Ribs Festival in Yorkton drew large crowds over the weekend – an estimated 15,000.
The attraction, world class barbecue, ribs, and pulled pork, from a quintet of specialized rib trucks.
The line-up included Gator BBQ which was formed in 1983 by a gentleman from Naples, Florida by the name of Don Brown (a.k.a. the King of Ribs).
In 2006 Matthew and Louise Smith acquired Gator BBQ and haven’t looked back.
Gator BBQ now tours Ontario and the Northern U.S. States doing upwards of 30 ribfests a year. Some of the awards they have won include in 2008 when they took first place ribs Rochester New York, Best Pig Rig, Burlington Ontario, Best Food Booth Norfolk County Fair among a trophy case full of awards.
“We’ve been doing this for 16 years, since I was 11,” said Nick Smith, Matthew’s brother, Friday as he prepared to open the truck Friday.
Smith said coming to a new event like the one in Yorkton is great to grow the opportunities. He said most new shows grow after the first year.
“We hope to see that happen to this show too,” he said.
Smith said travelling the road is in their blood, dating back before barbecue.
“My mom and dad were both carnival people,” he said.
With years now behind them serving up barbecue Smith said they have a go-to recipe that has long been popular.
“It’s been pretty much the same recipe from the start,” said Smith, adding it is one his dad created some 20-years ago.
The sauce works on everything on the menu, but Smith said patrons have their favourites.
“The biggest sellers are pork ribs and pulled pork,” he said, adding people like their corn bread too.
Smith added their truck serves meat and basically nothing but.
“We even have a vegetarian nightmare, that’s a combo of meats,” he said with a smile.
Smith said that recipe has been a success at place after place as they hit rib events across the country; Penticton, Calgary, Port Moody, Saskatoon, the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver and many more.
Boss Hog’s is a London-based company that provides comprehensive food services for those that enjoy the best in authentic barbeque.
While they operate a restaurant in London, ON., they also compete annually in Ribfests across the country with a three tractor-trailer stands.
With ‘Taste the Smokin’ Difference’ being Boss Hog’s team motto, it is a goal to provide patrons with the ultimate barbeque experience, notes their website.
Nick Roller with Boss Hog’s said coming into a new city and new show is interesting.
“You don’t know what you’re getting into,” he said, adding they certainly hope the Yorkton event will grow.
Roller said he has been travelling with the Boss Hog truck for years, adding they actually run multiple trucks that are on the road at different events from May through September.
The key is flavour, said Roller.
“When you try our barbecue it’s all in,” he said, adding cooking up the best brisket and ribs means long hours, the smoking starting at 6 p.m. the day before to be ready to feed event patrons.
Flavour may keep a patron, but there is an element of carnival to attracting a person to Boss Hog’s from among the other truck options.
“It’s all about getting people interested. We do a lot of showmanship,” said Roller.
Once in the line, Roller said their ribs will please.
“Boss Hog’s is known for their ribs,” he said, adding the sauce is the key.