Big Doon’s, the food truck specializing in ribs, rib tips, and loaded fries, is gearing up to open a brick-and-mortar location in Hueytown.

Truck owner Donald Bland plans to open the Big Doon’s restaurant on Saturday, November 4 at 258 Forest Road. The site is the former location of D’s Tamales.

Bland, who is from Bessemer, started the food truck in 2020. He and his wife Erica spent years in Detroit, Mich. participating in chili, gumbo, and barbecue cooking competitions. The couple later moved back to Alabama and decided to open a food truck. The name of the mobile eatery pays homage to the couple’s son, whose nickname is Doon.

“We just named the food truck after him. It sounded right,” said Erica.

Big Doon’s made its first appearance at a local gas station in Bessemer on 4th Avenue. Three years later, the truck route includes a number of stops in the Bessemer and Birmingham area, including gas stations on Academy Drive in Bessemer and City Hall in Birmingham.

While Donald Bland’s specialty is barbeque, Big Doon’s sports a menu of loaded sausages, Philly cheesesteak eggrolls, and corned beef sandwiches, plus a variety of sides including macaroni and cheese, baked beans, okra, greens, green beans, and potato salad.

“Donald is master on the grill,” said Erica. “Cooking has been a passion of both of ours. We enjoy seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they eat his barbeque and our food.”

The couple, who have been married 22 years, says the restaurant is a blessing in disguise. They’d hoped to one day open a brick-and-mortar iteration of their food truck, but didn’t have a location in mind.

“We were presented with the opportunity, it just happened to have been Hueytown, so, we took advantage of it,” said Erica.

So far, the menu at Big Doon’s restaurant will be consistent with the top sellers on the food truck. In addition to the Bland’s popular barbeque, sandwiches, and sides, the couple plans to offer a lineup of baked potatoes, with toppings including pulled pork and chicken. Patrons can also expect a kid’s menu.

Big Doon’s restaurant hours will be Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Details:

Big Doon’s BBQ| 258 Forest Road, Hueytown, AL 35023| www.bigdoonsbbq.com