Big news in barbecue land.
Acclaimed Red White & Que Smokehouse in Kearny has opened a second location, in Scotch Plains, with a grand opening planned for Saturday, Feb. 25.
The new store, called Red White & Que Smokeshack, opened several weeks ago, and business has been “gangbusters,” according to co-owner Dan Misuraca.
“It’s been busy, busy, busy,” he said.
The Route 22 BBQ joint is located next to Bowcraft Amusement Park, in the space formerly occupied by Kottu Hut (a Sri Lankan restaurant), and Jimmy Buff’s. It’s nearly twice the size of the Kearny location, with a seating capacity of 22 and an outdoor eating area — Misuraca called it “a barbecue party oasis” — planned for the warmer months.
I called Red White & Que in Kearny the state’s “best BBQ newcomer” in a story on New Jersey’s best BBQ joints last May, and Thrillist named it N.J.’s best BBQ last September. This is from my story:
“A pint-sized place stacked on a largely residential street. Takeout meats are securely wrapped in butcher paper, and the ribs deftly manage the high-wire act of tender, smoky and juicy. One must-try: the uber-thick, joltingly juicy brisket sandwich; it’s my favorite sandwich of any kind so far this year.”
The Scotch Plains menu includes Carolina pulled pork and smoked chicken platters, St. Louis cut ribs, brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, smoked buffalo wings, and a “BBQ sundae” — your meat of choice, plus smoked BBQ baked beans topped with cole slaw and house-made pickles, all served in a Mason jar.
Red White & Que is more than just barbecue; Misuraca, a former Marine, and his wife, Katie, have partnered with local veterans organizations to provide meals to needy veterans, including monthly dinners at the Garfield House, a transitional home for vets.
“We quit our jobs to taste the dream,” Katie Misuraca said of the couple, who met while working for Journeys shoes. “We (drew from) our 401K, cashed in our measly chips.”
Another Red White & Que Smokeshack is scheduled to open in March at the corner of Main and John streets in Little Ferry.
Peter Genovese may be reached at pgenovese@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @PeteGenovese or via The Munchmobile @NJ_Munchmobile. Find the Munchmobile on Facebook and Instagram.
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