It’s been over two long years since we first broke the news of Dr. BBQ coming to Downtown St Pete. And now the day has finally come. We have an opening date — October 17th.

Located in the trendy EDGE District of St. Petersburg at 1101 1st Avenue South, Dr. BBQ is a New American smokehouse that celebrates regional and international ingredients by combining diverse flavors from around the world into classic barbecue dishes with a twist.

Dr. BBQ’s menu features dishes influenced by barbecue techniques seen not only across the country, but also across the globe. Diners can expect a range of flavors, including sauces like Korean gochujang and North African harissa. While Dr. BBQ will have a wide variety of meat including Certified Angus Beef and Compart Duroc pork, the menu will also be inclusive for guests of all diets, offering vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes beyond the usual salad and mac and cheese.

Personally, we cannot wait to try the Pastrami Sandwich, featuring thick-cut Certified Angus Beef pastrami and house-pickled mustard seed served on Texas Toast. Other menu items that stand out are the Burnt Ends, Pork Brisket, and Go-Chu Jang Sticky Ribs.

The brand-new smokehouse is helmed by acclaimed pitmaster and Food Network star Ray “Dr. BBQ” Lampe, in collaboration with co-owners Roger and Suzanne Perry of the popular Tampa brunch staple, Datz.

However, Lampe and the Perry’s aren’t the only seasoned veterans behind Dr. BBQ. They have recruited a team of all-stars to help run the show. Lee Jasper is the twenty-nine-year old lead pitmaster at Dr. BBQ, spearheading the rare model J&R Oyler smoker that runs twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and is capable of cooking 1500 pounds of brisket at once. Having been mentored by legendary Texas pitmaster Roy Perez, Lee’s experience comes from years tending to meat at Kreuz Market—first in Lockhart, Texas, then in Bryan, Texas when Lee was asked to help open Kreuz’s second location.