Charlotte’s New Flavor Sensation: Union Barbecue
Welcome to Charlotte, where food lovers are buzzing about the sizzling new street food scene! In a lively corner of the city, the Union Barbecue food truck is making waves with its deliciously unique mashup of barbecue and Latin flavors.
A Recipe for Passion
The mastermind behind this culinary gem is Holden Sasser, a local entrepreneur with roots that run deep in the Queen City’s food scene. With a family history tied to the restaurant business, Sasser grew up surrounded by the tantalizing aromas and flavors of the kitchen. His father, Tom Sasser, owns the well-known Burke Hospitality Group, with establishments like Mimosa Grill and Taco Molino. But Holden’s journey wasn’t always about food. He dabbled in investment banking after college, following his father’s advice: “Unless you really want to do this, don’t,” he recalls with a chuckle. However, the call of the culinary world was too strong to resist.
The Birth of Union Barbecue
After spending a few years in investment banking and tech roles in San Francisco, Sasser decided it was time to return to his true passion—food. He started hosting pop-up dinners, experimenting with Tex-Mex barbecue at private events. When he began using a local bar’s kitchen on Sundays, the response was overwhelmingly positive. His pop-ups were selling out, which truly validated his culinary vision. So, in 2023, he packed his bags and came home to Charlotte, ready to serve the community something special.
A Flavorful Approach
At the heart of Union Barbecue is a delightful concoction of Latin flavors paired with traditional barbecue techniques. Sasser pulls inspiration from his travels and love for Mexican cuisine, aiming to create a perfect “union” of tastes. “Tex-Mex and barbecue is nothing new, but I wanted to take it even further,” he explains. His menu boasts mouthwatering dishes like Barbacoa Sandwiches, Brisket Chorizo, and Adobo Spareribs—all served with a side of smoky sweet potatoes and elote salad.
Catering to Cravings
Charlotteans are loving what they taste; the community has embraced the rotating menu that often surprises even the most loyal customers. You can almost always find a signature dish of Brisket and Smokey Sweet Potatoes, but from there, Sasser and his kitchen partner, Chase Young, love to experiment. “We’ll run specials like turkey, carnitas, or even beef barbacoa,” he shares enthusiastically.
Something Sweet to Savor
And let’s not forget about dessert! On the menu, you’ll find a delightful Banana Pudding or the over-the-top The Big Deborah, a playful twist on the classic oatmeal cream pie that is literally the size of Sasser’s head! “It’s a fun treat that everyone seems to love,” he beams.
Growth with Heart
Despite his success, Sasser remains grounded. He hasn’t ruled out the idea of a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the future, but he’s taking things step by step. “We’re in a growth phase, which is great, but I want to ensure that every guest has a fantastic experience each time they visit us,” he emphasizes. For now, he’s focused on perfecting barbecue as a cooking technique, with a vision to expand beyond traditional pulled pork to include flavorful options like smoked cauliflower and chicken.
The Community’s Response
Charlotte is known for its barbecue, yet many locals have been clamoring for something different. Sasser is thrilled that his unique offerings have resonated with the community, filling a spot he believes is still available in the market. “People often say, ‘Charlotte doesn’t have enough good barbecue,’” he recalls. “That just tells me there’s a demand for something fresh and exciting.”
So next time you’re out and about in Charlotte, keep an eye out for the cheerful Union Barbecue food truck. Trust us when we say, your taste buds will thank you later!
