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Hillsboro Transforms Axe Throwing Venue into Fat Baby Barbecue

Fat Baby Barbecue Restaurant

News Summary

In Hillsboro, Texas, the Blue Ox Axe Throwing venue has shifted to a barbecue restaurant called Fat Baby Barbecue, offering Texas-style smoked meats. This change comes as owner Lani Eversage sought to captivate the community with a delicious food-centric experience after previous efforts in entertainment fell flat. With a new team and an exciting menu that includes brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, Fat Baby Barbecue aims to provide mouthwatering options while planning for additional community events and activities.

Blue Ox Axe Throwing Transforms into Fat Baby Barbecue: Hillsboro’s New BBQ Destination

Oregon – Blue Ox Axe Throwing, a unique entertainment venue located in downtown Hillsboro, has successfully transitioned into a barbecue restaurant named Fat Baby Barbecue. This transformation marks a significant shift in the business model for the location, which officially opened on May 1 at 264 E. Main St.

Owner Lani Eversage, who previously introduced the axe-throwing franchise to Hillsboro in 2023 after launching it in Oregon City, recognized the need to adapt as the novelty of axe-throwing began to fade. With increasing competition and evolving consumer preferences, Eversage faced challenges in attracting customers to the original venue. Despite hosting various events such as video game nights, karaoke, bingo, and live music, efforts to draw crowds were largely unsuccessful.

To address the diminishing interest in axe-throwing, Eversage pivoted towards creating a food-centric establishment, emphasizing barbecue, as a way to appeal to a broader audience. The name “Fat Baby Barbecue” was meticulously selected to distinguish the new restaurant from its predecessor.

Menu and Offerings

Fat Baby Barbecue boasts a mantra of “Smoked slow, served fat,” highlighting its focus on Texas-inspired barbecue cuisine. The restaurant features a signature sauce that is slightly sweet with a deep crust, creating a distinctive flavor profile. The culinary team, led by pit master Scott Fullerton, who honed his skills at Russell Street BBQ in Portland, oversees the smoke program. Chef Nick Pothakos manages kitchen operations, ensuring quality control for all menu items.

The menu at Fat Baby Barbecue includes a variety of freshly smoked meats such as brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, served every Thursday through Saturday. Each brisket undergoes a meticulous 12- to 14-hour smoking process to achieve optimal tenderness and flavor. Additionally, patrons can enjoy unique dishes including sauced-up wings, smash burger tacos, and pulled pork macaroni and cheese.

Location and Setup

Fat Baby Barbecue operates from a bustling space behind the Collective Market on Northeast Third Avenue, where two 500-gallon smokers emit enticing aromas of smoked meats. This prominent setup adds to the dining experience, welcoming customers with the smell of offset-smoked barbecue as they arrive.

Future Plans

In a bid to enhance community engagement, Eversage has outlined plans to integrate features such as discounted axe-throwing experiences alongside the new BBQ offerings. Moreover, the restaurant aims to explore catering opportunities, further solidifying its role as a versatile dining venue within the community.

The business’s rebranding is also underway, with Blue Ox Axe Throwing being registered as “Blue Ox Hillsboro” on Google Maps, reflecting the complete shift in focus from axe-throwing to barbecue dining.

Conclusion

The transition from Blue Ox Axe Throwing to Fat Baby Barbecue highlights a significant change in the Hillsboro dining landscape, offering a new culinary experience focused on quality barbecue and community connection. As the restaurant settles into its new identity, local residents can look forward to enjoying a revised menu and fresh dining experience in the heart of downtown Hillsboro.