When a small food truck starts earning a reputation as “the best BBQ I’ve ever found in Fort Wayne,” people take notice.
Big Hungry BBQ rolled onto the Fort Wayne scene in June 2023 with nothing but passion, a smoker, and a dream to bring authentic Texas-style barbecue to Indiana.
Nick and Elizabeth Jarrell didn’t just open another BBQ joint—they started a family-owned endeavor fueled by passion and commitment to quality, leaving no stone unturned in delivering food that speaks for itself.
Within months, hungry Fort Wayne residents discovered something special was happening at this unassuming food truck. 🔥
What really sets Big Hungry BBQ apart is their unwavering dedication to the craft.
Every piece of meat gets meticulously cooked for over 12 hours using offset smokers, ensuring that perfect balance of flavor without overwhelming smoke.
While other spots might rush the process or rely on shortcuts, this family operation believes in letting the meat speak for itself—which is exactly why they refrain from drowning it in sauce before it reaches your plate.
Their homemade sides, prepared with love and care, boast flavors that can’t be replicated from a can, making every meal a complete experience rather than just another lunch.
Customers quickly spread the word on social media, with one Reddit user posting about an incredible $8 plate featuring rib tips, mac and cheese, and cornbread that left the barbecue community amazed at both the quality and value.
On Yelp, Big Hungry BBQ consistently earns five-star reviews, with customers praising everything from the tender, flavorful meats to the outstanding customer service.
One satisfied customer shared that Big Hungry BBQ catered their wedding and reported, “I’m picky about BBQ and this was some of the best BBQ I have eaten. My guests were all raving about the food.”
Another reviewer gushed about how Nick and his adorable team handled private events, saying they “nailed it” and delivered “killer BBQ.”
The consistency of glowing testimonials reveals a truth that Fort Wayne barbecue lovers already know: this isn’t just good food—it’s the kind of barbecue that turns first-timers into regulars and skeptics into believers. 😋
How Big Hungry BBQ Won Fort Wayne Hearts
Big Hungry BBQ’s journey from newcomer to local favorite wasn’t built on flashy marketing or expensive advertising campaigns.
Instead, Nick and Elizabeth relied on something far more powerful: authenticity and quality that speaks for itself.
When they launched their Texas-style barbecue food truck in June 2023, they brought a level of dedication to the craft that Fort Wayne hadn’t seen before.
Using offset smokers and traditional smoking methods, they committed to a process that takes patience—smoking each piece of meat for more than twelve hours to achieve that perfect tenderness and rich, smoky flavor.
The family’s philosophy centers on letting quality ingredients shine, which is why they make everything from scratch, including their signature seasonings and homemade sauces.
This commitment to authenticity resonated with locals who were tired of mediocre barbecue masquerading as the real deal.
Word spread rapidly through Fort Wayne’s food scene, amplified by social media posts showing massive, affordable plates that delivered genuine Texas barbecue flavor without the Texas price tag.
As one Facebook user noted, “the food is great, and the customer service is stellar!”
The Jarrells also won hearts by making Big Hungry BBQ accessible, parking their truck at various locations around Fort Wayne and maintaining an active presence on social media so customers always know where to find them.
Their catering services expanded their reach even further, with wedding clients and corporate events discovering that Big Hungry BBQ could handle everything from intimate gatherings to large celebrations with the same level of excellence.
The family’s genuine warmth and dedication to serving their community transformed customers into advocates who couldn’t stop talking about the amazing barbecue they’d discovered. 💪
Food Highlights
Brisket: The crown jewel of Big Hungry BBQ’s menu features beef brisket that’s been lovingly smoked for over twelve hours on offset smokers, creating meat so tender it practically melts on your tongue while delivering that authentic Texas-style smoke ring and rich, beefy flavor that keeps customers coming back week after week for more.
Brisket Burnt Ends: These flavor-packed cubes of brisket point are caramelized to perfection during the smoking process, creating crispy, bark-covered exterior pieces with an incredibly juicy interior that one Facebook reviewer called “phenomenal”, making them an absolute must-try for any barbecue enthusiast visiting the truck.
Rib Tips: Featured prominently in that famous $8 plate that went viral on Reddit, these meaty, flavorful pieces are smoked to tender perfection and offer incredible value, making them a favorite among locals who appreciate quality barbecue that doesn’t break the bank while still delivering outstanding taste and texture.
Pulled Pork: Slow-smoked pork shoulder that’s been carefully tended for hours results in incredibly tender, juicy meat that pulls apart effortlessly, offering that perfect balance of smoke and natural pork flavor that makes it equally delicious in a sandwich or served alongside their famous homemade sides like mac and cheese and cornbread.
Mac and Cheese: This isn’t your ordinary side dish—Big Hungry BBQ’s version features creamy, rich cheese sauce coating perfectly cooked pasta, creating a comfort food masterpiece that frequently earns its own praise in customer reviews and pairs beautifully with the smoky, savory meats for a truly satisfying barbecue experience.
Cornbread Muffins: These slightly sweet, perfectly moist muffins provide the ideal accompaniment to soak up all those delicious barbecue juices and sauces, made fresh with that homemade touch that the Jarrells insist on bringing to every element of their menu, from the meats to the sides.
Atmosphere
Big Hungry BBQ operates primarily as a food truck, which means the atmosphere revolves around that authentic, casual outdoor dining experience that barbecue was meant to be enjoyed in.
The vibe is unpretentious and welcoming—no fancy tablecloths or stuffy service, just genuine Texas-style hospitality served up alongside incredible smoked meats.
Customers typically encounter the truck at various locations around Fort Wayne, from gas station parking lots to special events and festivals.
The experience centers entirely on the food and the friendly service from Nick, Elizabeth, and their team, who treat every customer like family.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch on a weekday or catching them at a weekend event, the atmosphere remains consistently laid-back and focused on what matters most: delivering outstanding barbecue with a smile.
For catered events, Big Hungry BBQ brings that same approachable, family-friendly energy, setting up their station and serving up their signature smoked meats in a way that makes guests feel like they’re at a backyard cookout—except with professional-quality Texas barbecue that rivals anything you’d find in the Lone Star State itself. 🌟
Bottom Line
If you’re craving authentic, wood-smoked Texas-style barbecue that’s been meticulously prepared with genuine passion and served by people who truly care about quality, Big Hungry BBQ delivers everything you’re looking for and more.
Address: Food truck locations vary—check their Facebook page for current location
📞 (260) 403-2081
🕔 Hours vary by location—follow on social media for schedule