Texas Barbeque Outpost Swings Open its Doors in Shanghai

(Shanghai, June 23, 2006) – Bubba’s Texas-style Bar-B-Que and Saloon opened its doors in Shanghai this week to capacity crowds of foreign and local customers who, for the first time in China, enjoyed authentic American-style barbeque and Texas hospitality in an environment reminiscent of a Western saloon. The concept originated from Ken Walker, who serves as “pit boss” and general manager of the operation. Walker, who is from Austin, Texas, wanted to bring a little bit of the American South to the Far East.

Shanghai is one the most dynamic restaurant scenes, offering all types of cuisines from around the world; however, what was missing was authentic American-style barbeque,” said Walker. “While there are many barbeque places around, ranging from Japanese-style teppanyaki to South American churrascurias, American-style barbeque is quite different. It starts with using quality cuts of meat and then seasoning and cooking at a low heat over long periods of time using a good smoking wood. This process tenderizes meat and imparts a terrific flavor.”

The restaurant’s simple menu features smoked meats traditionally served by American barbeque joints, including whole beef brisket, chopped beef sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, pork and beef ribs, chicken, and sausage. Classic side dishes are also on offer, including Texas-style potato salad, coleslaw, jalapeno poppers, and burracho beans cooked in beer. The beans are even served with restaurant-made jalapeño cornbread.

Features and decorations include a Southwest-style front porch, swinging saloon doors, Western-style horse saddles, a mounted buffalo head, a children’s play area, and a large Texas flag that once flew over Texas’ State Capital. Sports are shown on several large format flat panel TV screens, with country music, southern rock, and Texas-oriented blues piped in through a robust sound system.

To stay true to the concept, Walker sourced an American-made commercial smoker capable of smoking up to 300 pounds of meat at one time. He fires the smoker with imported apple wood to give his products true barbeque flavor. He also has a smaller “Texas pit smoker” that resides outside the front of the building. Not exactly small, it is actually more than 6-feet long and weighs over 1,000 lbs.

“The outdoor pit will serve mainly as a weekend smoker for special events, as it gives off a great look and is certainly unique here in Shanghai,” said Walker. The outdoor pit is constructed of heavy gauge steel pipe and is similar to what you might see in the backyard of a die-hard barbeque aficionado back in the U.S.

Located in Hongqiao, a popular housing district for expatriates working in Shanghai, Bubba’s represents the first authentic American-style barbeque restaurant in China, and perhaps all of Asia. Walker’s long term plan is to expand his operation to other parts of Shanghai with potential to spread to Beijing, Hong Kong, and other key Asian markets.

In addition, Walker is not short of maximizing Bubba’s barbeque offering. Not only is Bubba’s celebrating US Independence Day on July 4, he plans to host Shanghai’s first ever barbeque and chili cook-off this coming Fall so stay posted.

Bubba’s Texas-style Bar-B-Que and Saloon
Address: 2262 Hong Qiao Lu (across from Hongqiao Marriott)
Phone: 6242 2612
Cards Accepted: All Major
Nearest Metro: None