Memphis' Central BBQ officially debuts in Nashville

Lizzy Alfs | The Tennessean

Central BBQ, one of Memphis’ most popular barbecue joints, has officially arrived in Nashville.

The 17-year-old brand, which was founded by two barbecue masters who met in the competition circuit in the 1980s, chose Nashville’s Capitol View development for the company’s first expansion outside of Memphis.

After a quiet soft opening phase, the restaurant at 408 11th Ave. N. will host its grand opening Wednesday with specials offered throughout the day and 15% of proceeds going toward St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Nashville has always been a city that’s on the edge of growth and everything else. Why not be able to bring something from Memphis to Nashville?” said Craig Blondis, who founded Central BBQ in 2002 with Roger Sapp.

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True to Memphis-style barbecue, Central BBQ uses hickory and pecan woods, along with a dry rub, to craft its meat.

“If you do barbecue properly, sauce is meant to be an accompaniment and not part of the cooking process,” Blondis explained. “Dry seasoning, dry spice and attention to detail and the cooking process is what makes it a Memphis-style barbecue. That, and using hickory.”

The Nashville menu includes snacks, plates, sandwiches, salads, sides and desserts. Specific options include barbecue pork nachos ($11.99 for a full order); a half slab of ribs ($16.99); beef brisket plate ($17.99); pulled chicken sandwich ($6.49); portabella mushroom sandwich ($6.49); home cooked pork rinds ($2.49); barbecue beans ($2.49); and homemade banana pudding ($3.49).

Blondis said Central BBQ’s lunch business at Capitol View has already exceeded expectations, given the large number of office workers on the property.

“To have the amount of people so curious, ready to eat, checking it out right there in the Capitol View area, was really mind-blowing to me to open the doors and I’ve got a line the first day,” Blondis said. “I guess Nashville is ready for variety.”

Blondis said he’s already on the hunt for future Central BBQ locations in the Nashville area.

“We look to have probably two other locations in Nashville, maybe three, besides the one at Capitol View,” he said.

Central BBQ at Capitol View is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Reach Lizzy Alfs at lalfs@tennessean.com or 615-726-5948 and on Twitter @lizzyalfs.