Walton Gas customer City Barbecue has a winning game plan

Walton Gas customer City Barbecue serves up competition-quality smoked meats that are sure to score at Super Bowl parties.

Walton Gas customer City Barbecue serves up competition-quality smoked meats that are sure to score at Super Bowl parties.

Marvin Watts will never play in an NFL championship game, but he’ll be suiting up for the Super Bowl anyway. The all-star City Barbecue employee and his teammates will be taking snaps on the foodservice front lines, serving up MVP-worthy smoked meats sure to score at local bowl bashes.

Making “competition-quality” barbecue is the everyday game plan at City Barbecue’s eight north Georgia locations, including the one in Sandy Springs where Watts is the general manager. The Walton Gas customer opened its newest Georgia location in Acworth last month.

Marvin Watts, general manager of City Barbecue’s Sandy Creek location, is also among the chain’s expert pitmasters known for their ‘low and slow’ cooking process. Watts and his team captured the Best Taste award at the 2024 Food That Rocks festival.

Low and slow

“Our pitmasters use local hickory, years of experience and all 24 hours of the day to craft the city’s best barbeque,” said Rachel DeMers, the restaurant company’s senior director of supply chain.

A low-and-slow cooking process is used to make the restaurant’s signature Texas-style beef brisket. Pulled pork, bone-in chicken, smoked sausage, turkey breast and St. Louis-cut ribs are also among the menu offerings.

“Everything is smoked onsite,” DeMers said. “We have three smokers running 24/7 at each location.”

The restaurant’s daily made-from-scratch sides also score with local diners. Baked beans with brisket, collard greens with pork and hush puppies are ideal complements to the smoked meats.

“Our prep team comes in at 5 or 6 in the morning to prepare everything fresh for an 11 a.m. opening,” DeMers explained.

City Barbecue, which originated in Ohio, has company-owned locations across 10 states in the Midwest and South. Foods on the menu reflect regional tastes and specialties. Georgia is represented by peach cobbler, the chain’s most popular dessert.

Serving up happiness

Though it may begin with a meal, each City Barbecue location goes the extra mile to connect with those it serves.

“We exist to serve and create happiness,” DeMers said, sharing the company philosophy. “We have ‘city’ in our name for a reason: We are committed to being a good community citizen.”

The company’s Georgia locations demonstrate community stewardship through sponsorships, donations and hands-on activities. Local restaurant locations sponsor area youth sports teams as well as events such as police rodeos and community safety fairs.

Last October, City Barbecue partnered with the NFL Alumni Association and Swing for a Cause at the 9th Annual Swing for a Cause Golf Tournament benefitting the Marine Toys

 for Tots Foundation in Buford. You’ll also find restaurant employees supporting local festivals such as the Roswell Wine Festival and Taste of Chamblee. They’re also part of the tailgating scene, helping to support area professional and collegiate teams.

Game day ready

Super Bowl LIX is on Sunday, Feb. 9, in New Orleans. City Barbecue is offering its Gameday Favorites menu to help fans gear up for the year’s biggest gridiron clash.

“From wings to ribs to nachos, we’ve got everything you need for a winning watch party,” DeMers said. This year, football fans can also order City Barbecue’s popular brisket chili to feed a crowd.

On game day, Georgia locations of City Barbecue will offer delivery and self-service pickup. DeMers recommends placing orders early to ensure your Super Bowl feast will be game-ready and a winner with guests.

Find a full menu, store hours and more details about City Barbecue at citybbq.com.