
Date of Establishment in Toledo Region: The first City Barbecue location opened in 1999. The company now operates 74 locations across 10 states. The Toledo location opened in March 2017.
Company Overview: City Barbecue is a fast-casual restaurant chain founded in 1999 by Rick Malir and his team, including members of the award-winning competition barbecue team "The Barbecue Boys." They started with a single location in Upper Arlington, Ohio, in a former doughnut shop. Initial delays in opening led to catering orders from Rick's home, which helped sustain the business while they waited for the restaurant to be ready.
What They Do: Provide backyard hospitality to Toledo and the surrounding area.
"When we opened the first City Barbecue, we just thought we wanted to serve the city's best barbecue - but we quickly learned we wanted so much more than that," the team explains. "We're here to serve the flavor of America, to serve and create happiness, and to do it all with integrity, respect, and reverence for the art and soul of BBQ. We've turned a passion into a career—and we'd love for you to join us."
What Makes City Barbeque Unique
One interesting fact about City Barbeque that most people don't know is that all of their meat is smoked on-site and their sides are made fresh daily. This commitment to quality and freshness sets them apart in the fast-casual dining space.
When they're not working, the City Barbeque team loves spending time at the Toledo Zoo, showing their appreciation for what our community has to offer.
Industry Insights & Community Impact
City Barbeque stays ahead of market trends by focusing on "delivery quality without sacrifice - give it your all." This philosophy ensures that whether customers dine in or order for delivery, they receive the same high-quality experience.
The company is passionate about giving back to the community. You can learn more about their community involvement initiatives at citybbq.com/community.
City Barbeque continues to serve authentic barbecue with genuine hospitality, proving that great food and community spirit go hand in hand. Their commitment to quality, from smoking meat on-site to making fresh sides daily, demonstrates the dedication that has made them a valued member of the Toledo business community.