A new food truck has rolled into town, putting a unique spin on Charlotte’s barbecue scene. Union Barbecue, owned by Charlotte native Holden Sasser, has quickly become a hot spot for barbecue enthusiasts looking for something different.
After a successful stint at pop-up events in San Francisco, where he worked in the food technology industry by day and spent nights and weekends smoking barbecue, Sasser decided to bring his culinary venture back to its roots in the Carolinas. With a family deeply entrenched in the food industry – his father owns Burke Hospitality Group, which includes Harper’s and Mimosa Grill – Sasser’s return marks a continuation of a lifelong passion for food.
“I grew up in the food industry and worked for my father at 15, washing dishes and doing prep work in the kitchen,” says Sasser. “When I was in San Francisco, I always found more satisfaction in weekend cooking at home and smoking meats like my uncle and father taught me growing up.”
Union Barbecue offers a fresh take on traditional barbecue, combining Tex-Mex flavors with authentic ingredients that reflect the true taste of across the border. The name reflects a combination of flavors, a kind of “new school barbecue,” says Sasser, who collaborated with chef Chase Young on the venture.
“We have some family recipes, including my grandmother’s homemade pickles, and we’ve made a lot from scratch after studying historic barbecue recipes and getting inspiration from people in Texas,” Sasser said. “It’s a really great mix and customers seem to be very happy with it.”
The food truck’s menu changes every weekend to keep the options fresh, but one thing you’ll always find on the menu is the signature Texas-style brisket, carefully smoked for 12-14 hours and then rested for another 12 hours to to enjoy everything. the juices. This popular item sells out every weekend.
Other menu highlights include beef cheek barbacoa, smoked for six hours and then cooked for another five to six hours, resulting in tender meat that falls apart and is perfect for sandwiches or trays with various toppings. The truck also offers sliced turkey, pulled chicken and a few types of pulled pork, including carnitas-style stew and traditional salt and pepper shoulder.
Vegetarians aren’t left out either, as the smoky sweet potato, an open-faced dish topped with smoked crema, pepitas, sunflower seeds and tajin, offers a flavorful option. And those with a sweet tooth will love the Big Deborah, a house-made nod to the Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pie.
“I would follow this truck every day just for this cookie,” one person told Charlotte foodie Asha Ellison of @Ashaeatsworld.
Looking ahead, Union Barbecue hopes to expand its services beyond weekends, with the goal of meeting growing demand and potentially expanding its space and team. The team has been overwhelmed by the positive welcome from the community.
Vlogger Mirneezy of @Carolinalivin raved about Union’s carnitas: “A BBQ food truck in North Carolina is the last place I expected to find the best carnitas in the state! Union Barbecue is responsible for this delicious Mexican-style shredded pork, topped with delicious Rajas con Crema (poblano peppers in cream) – a literal match made in Heaven!”
Food blogger Olivia Schmidt, who runs the Hungry Girls Club on Instagram with Anna Schoeck, praised the quality of the food truck and Sasser’s practical approach.
“Our experience at Union was great,” Schmidt told CharlotteFive. “The quality and creativity of the recipes are truly excellent, especially for a food truck. (Sasser’s) creative blend of barbecue combined with Mexican flavors is different and much needed in Charlotte’s food scene.”
Where can I find Union Barbecue?
The food truck will be at the following locations in the coming weeks:
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May 25, 1 p.m.: Middle James Brewing (Waxhaw)
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June 1, 1 p.m.: NoDa Brewing 5K
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June 2, 1 p.m.: Room at Wooden Robot
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June 7, 6 p.m.: Little Thieves
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June 8, 1 p.m.: Vaulted Oak
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June 15, 1:00 PM: Hi-Wire
Union Barbecue
Location: varies
Menu
Cuisine: Barbecue, Tex-Mex
Instagram: @union.barbecue
