No one is more excited about the return Fatbacks Barbeque than me. For more than five years this little spot on Linden Avenue has been my favorite go-to barbecue spot. Today would’ve been the eighth anniversary of the restaurant formally owned and operated by Larry “Bub” Britton.
There has been a passing of the keys (and pit) to the new proprietor Curtis Fackler. Curtis is a friend and former student of Bub’s. Curtis is a New Carlisle native who has big plans for Fatbacks while keeping the charm and menu the same as it was under Bub’s ownership.
Curtis took the keys it recently and I had a chance to sit down with him to talk BBQ and specifically the future of Fatbacks.
Curtis told me he has already began to make some tech upgrades including new point of sale system that will allow online ordering and is investigating adding Uber Eats to increase local awareness of this locally known and adored bbq spot.
Curtis said there are no changes planned for the menu and mentioned that he is looking into more local sources for the beef and pork. Curtis is also coaxing as many of the staff back as possible. The longtime pitmaster has already agreed to return. That kind of knowledge and skill isn’t easy to come by.
Curtis lives just blocks away from the Linden Ave address where the restaurant operates and is home base for the popular Fatbacks Catering business.
During our chat I learned that the he and his partners are waiting on final health department inspections and certifications. Red tape can take time but the kitchen and smoker are ready to go on short notice. Under Larry’s coaching they have started ordering food and supplies for the upcoming grand re-opening.
Curtis Fackler
I asked Curtis if folks will be seeing Bub around the shop in the coming weeks. He said that Bub is committed to a successful hand off and will be around for an undetermined amount of time but will always have a seat at FatBacks.
I did learn a few more facts about the owner and what we can expect in 2021.
1) He’s a big Red’s fan and we may see some sports memorabilia among the Pig Hall of Fame collection that adorns the walls
2) He’s working to finishing the Fatbacks food truck that Bub started (he estimated its 90% ready)
3) Pending approval from the health department we can expect to be eating brisket, ribs and those famous pig pops in Mid-March.
Happy 8th Anniversary to Fatbacks and best wishes for a great year ahead.
