Central BBQ Truck Hits the Square for Football Season

Oxford is known for its amazing food, and new restaurants are trying to move into the city every day.

This weekend, a Memphis favorite will have a food truck at the Holcomb Dunbar Law Firm on South Lamar for the first time.
Central BBQ has been recognized by many national awards and has been on multiple Food Network shows for its slow-smoked Memphis style pulled pork, ribs, barbecue sauce and more. The Central BBQ food truck has been operating in Memphis for a few years, serving corporate lunches, appearing at outdoor festivals and otherwise feeding the masses of the Bluff City.
Food truck manager Mark Goldsmith said they decided to take the leap and drive the long hour down Interstate 55 from their home on Central Avenue to branch out the business. Yoknapatawpha Arts Council Wayne Andrews also helped Goldsmith and the truck negotiate space to set up the truck.
“We’ve been wanting to stretch out and do some other things with the truck and it seems like it would be a new and fun thing to do,” Goldsmith said. “Who knows, even check the waters for a Central BBQ down there some day.”
Goldsmith said the truck would be limited to more basic options, such as their incredible pulled pork, sauced-up barbeque nachos and simple but delicious sandwiches. Homemade potato chips can (and should) also be added to your orders.
Tailgate pre-orders will also be available for the remaining three home games against Auburn, Presbyterian and Mississippi State. A “basic pork” includes pulled pork, buns, slaw, baked beans and authentic Memphis barbecue sauce for about $6 per person. Packages start at 12 buns and can be increased from there.
“This first weekend, we’re just going to try and get our sea legs under us and see how it works down there,” Goldsmith said. “We do an awful lot of food truck stuff, but we haven’t done anything like the tailgate pick-ups yet.”
Goldsmith said he could bring a portable pit, a smoker and more refrigeration units for future weekends depending on the demand for items like ribs and other big barbecue items.
To make pre-orders for the Auburn, Presbyterian or Mississippi State games, email Goldsmith at mgoldsmith8@gmail.com or truck@cbqmemphis.com or call his cell at (901) 240-8954.
Amelia Camurati is a Memphis native and managing editor of HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at amelia.camurati@hottytoddy.com.