A barbecue spot in east Ocala that first opened in 1970 has been revived, renovated, and reopened under new ownership.
After multiple months of renovations, Fat Boys BBQ celebrated its grand re-opening earlier this year at 4132 E Silver Springs Boulevard.
Fat Boys BBQ was opened in August of 1970 by the Stumpf family, who eventually passed management to the children, and then grandchildren, over the course of 50 years.
The business was officially reopened on May 31, 2023, by new co-owners Mike Carey, Cody Loughlin, and Bryan Caracciolo, who is the owner of Brick City Hospitality Group.
According to the new owners, the restaurant implemented a variety of changes before it reopened, including bigger portions, a $9.99 “meal deal,” and online ordering, among several others.
The revamped menu features dozens of options, including starters like smoked, stuffed jalapeños, burnt ends, loaded pork nachos, and loaded pork fries.
For entrees, diners may choose between Fat Boy Plates, which come in 2, 3, and 4-meat options with sides, and sandwiches, which are served on brioche buns with fries.
Sandwiches may feature pulled pork, burnt ends, or brisket, among other options.
The new owners have invested heavily in equipment to prepare their food, including a 2,500-gallon custom smoker for their ribs, and a 2,000-gallon smoker for its briskets and butts.
The business joins several other new restaurants that have opened in Ocala in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ opened its first outpost in Ocala, replacing Kotobuki at Shady Oaks Shopping Center.
In July, Big Lee’s BBQ celebrated the grand opening of its first brick-and-mortar location in Ocala.
For more information on the new restaurant, its hours of operations, or its menu, visit the Fat Boys BBQ in Ocala website.