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It was gone, but now it’s back. And there’s a chance it might be here to stay.
It is KC Pit BBQ, a tractor trailer truck-cum-mobile barbeque restaurant that’s currently sitting on a vacant lot at the corner of Fourth Street and New York Avenue NW. After spending a few weeks catering to the Convention Center from a spot at Sixth Street and New York, the vehicle left town, and fans might’ve thought their chance at getting their hands on some Kansas City style barbeque (known for its liberal use of a tangy tomato-based sauce) was lost. But in early November, the truck resurfaced at the new location. And after a short hiatus over Thanksgiving, it will stick around for six months.
“The response from the community has been great – people want to know if we’re opening a new spot,” said Cynthia Johnson, the truck’s concession manager. She’s originally from Kansas City but, like the rest of the truck’s employees and KC Pit BBQ itself, is now based in Atlanta. “We may get a permanent home here, depending on how much you guys like us.”
So far, DC seems to like the food quite a bit. According to Johnson, some patrons come every day; others hear about it through word of mouth or by driving past.
The food isn’t cheap: a rib plate with one side (choice of coleslaw, baked beans or fries) is $12. But it’s all cooked fresh right there on the truck, which has been retrofitted to include fryers, grills, steam tables, and a real pit cooker at one end for smoking meat. The vehicle – which is sparkling clean – will be closed down and left in DC while the employees take a break.
Johnson said she’s excited to come back to DC in December. “I must say, we’ve met a lot of nice and interesting people,” she said. “Today we had secret service, and we’ve had US marshals. It’s been really exciting.”
She had a last note: “One thing I want you to put in there is that the Obamas are welcome here.” |
