1. How did Northbound Barbecue Company get started?
Our origin story is rooted in a passion for the craft of old-school barbecue done the right way. We set out to bring our “refined rustic” barbecue experience to make event meals delicious, exciting and memorable!
2. What inspired you to specialize in barbecue catering?
Barbecue is inherently communal. We were inspired by the way a live-fire pit and a carving station act as the heartbeat of a party, creating a memorable meal experience that keeps guests talking all year long.
3. What style of “BBQ” do you specialize in?
NBCo. is solely focused on Texas-style barbecue, featuring prime-grade meats and classic techniques. Barbecue, spelt the long way for the time and love that goes into it. From our Prime Black Angus Brisket to our “Bama” white sauce chicken, we pay homage to old-school ways of cooking that let the quality meats shine.
4. What does the ‘authentic BBQ’ experience mean to your team?
To us, authenticity is visual, aromatic, and interactive. It means having our smoker and fire table lit and on display, and having Pitmasters fresh-slice whole cuts of meat directly onto guests’ plates at our big carving station.
The Event Experience
5. What should a guest expect from your on-site service?
Expect a full sensory experience. Beyond the food, we provide a decorated buffet that fits a refined rustic aesthetic along with an interactive slicing station where guests can engage with the Pitmasters.
6. What makes your large-scale catering different from traditional catering?
Traditional catering often happens behind “closed doors.” We bring the kitchen to you. With our Live Fire Station, the smoker and fire table are part of the entertainment, ensuring the food is as fresh as possible when it hits the plate. We want everyone to see and understand what it takes to make real barbecue.
7. What is included in your “All-Inclusive” packages?
Our Longhorn and True Texas packages include your choice of meats, sides, Barbecue Taco Kit, and your choice of cocktail appetizers. We’ll help pair complimenting flavours with our rich meats for an exciting and delicious food experience.
8. Can you describe your approach to large-scale catering in one sentence?
We deliver an interactive, live-fire culinary performance that combines premium smoked meats with professional, seamless event execution.
Menus & Customization
9. Do you offer customized menu options for corporate clients?
Yes. We offer tiered packages like the Longhorn (3 meats/2 sides) and the True Texas (4 meats/3 sides), allowing clients to curate a barbecue menu that fits their specifics.
10. What are your signature meat offerings?
Our staples include Prime Brisket (antibiotic-free Black Angus), ‘Bama White BBQ Chicken, Pulled Pork with porchetta seasoning, house smoked Andouilled Sausages.
11. What kind of side dishes do you serve?
We offer several “Southern Style” classics ranging from our “crack salad” (Chilled Southwest Pasta) and Farmland Coleslaw to a Lemon Parm Kale Salad and Mexican Street Corn.
12. Can you accommodate Vegetarians and dietary restrictions?
No problem at all! We’ll fix up special mains for any veggie forward guests. Something southern inspired with an element of smoke so no one feels left out of the theme.
13. What is the “Barbecue Taco Kit” included in the packages?
Every package includes a bbq taco kit featuring tortillas, sweet pickles, hot peppers, cilantro, onion, and our signature BBQ sauces to give guests an added interactive “pop” of flavour.
Logistics & Planning
14. What is the minimum guest count for an on-site buffet?
Our full on-site buffet packages require a 100-person minimum. For smaller groups, we offer fantastic drop-off package options.
15. How do you handle setup and breakdown?
Our team arrives on-site to set up the food station and light the fires. We take care of cocktail hour, dinner and table clearing after dinner.
16. How far do you travel for events?
Our big smoker and team are fully mobile with an extensive travel radius from the shop here in Barrie.
17. How do you maintain food quality when serving high volumes?
Consistency is maintained through our carving station. Instead of pre-cutting meat and letting it sit on during plated style service. We fresh-slice whole cuts of barbecue right onto everyone’s plate as they’re standing in front of us, ensuring every guest receives juicy, hot, and high-quality meat.
18. Do you provide dinnerware and cutlery?
We offer eco-friendly tableware (disposable plates, cutlery, and napkins), or we can clear and collect your rented dinnerware settings as part of our package service.
19. How long is the standard food service window?
Standard packages include 3 hours of food service time, covering both your cocktail hour and dinner. Additional time can be requested.
20. What options do you have for cocktail hour?
Clients can choose between a curated selection of finger hors d’oeuvres—like Cajun Shrimp Cocktail or Baltimore Pit Beef crostinis – or our massive 4-foot Deluxe Charcuterie boards.