Smithtown Young Professionals: Big Belly Barbecue Catering & Restaurant
By Katelyn Savasta
In 2014, three friends started a barbecue catering company right in our own backyard, literally. Over the past six years, Big Belly BBQ has operated as a full service catering company that arrives with all of the equipment and supplies needed to add an amazing food experience to events across Long Island. Two of the co-owners and pit-masters behind the prep work and grill are life-long Smithtown residents; Chris Emanuelo and Patrick Lomauro, both 29.
Lifelong Smithtown native and Co-Founder, Chris Emanuelo attests the success of Big Belly BBQ to the ethos which he instills in each of his employees.
“We don’t get a crazy amount of big occasions in our lives that we celebrate. If you are hosting a party, you should relax and enjoy it. One shouldn’t have to run around cooking food, checking that everyone is being taken care of, cleaning up and taking out garbage. That is why we are here. We love seeing the party hosts kicking back with a cold one because that means we are doing our jobs correctly and our goal is being fulfilled.” – Chris Emanuelo, Co-Founder Big Belly Barbecue Catering & Restaurant
Their mission from the beginning with Big Belly BBQ Catering has always been the same: to alleviate the host’s stress of cooking, serving, cleaning, and other stressful tasks so that they may enjoy the party. Big Belly BBQ can accommodate many different specifications for a personalized barbecue menu and hospitality options that takes the memorable experience one step further. Big Belly BBQ also offers the option of facilitating waitstaff and bartenders to accommodate party duties, and serve food or drinks.
The expeditious success of these young foodie tycoons has led to even bigger dreams of expanding their backyard catering company. Long Island BBQ lovers can look forward to a new Smithtown hot spot to savor this Spring. Big Belly Que; a full-service Barbecue-Mexican fusion restaurant, is slated to open April 1st. Matt, Chris and Patrick are dedicated to delivering the same high quality food and service that they have offered in Long Island backyards for over half a decade.
Big Belly Que is located at 863 W Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown
To view more information about Big Belly BBQ Catering, visit www.biggbellybbq.com. The website also includes a blog with tips on how to master the art of the BBQ grill, an extensive online catering menu equipped with Vegan and Vegetarian Barbecue options and details on the new Smithtown storefront. Big Belly Que will be available for delivery through UberEats.
Book Summer Catering Now
Big Belly Barbecue Catering recommends booking your Summer parties now as availability fills up months in advance.