Bringing Texas to the Table since 2017
In 2010, a visit to the Salt Lick in Texas ignited a passion in Russ for live fire cooking, somewhat of a novelty in Sydney. The initial forays into barbecue began in 2012 with a $99 gas smoker – humble beginnings. This culinary exploration eventually led Russ to move abroad, landing in Toronto, Canada, where lessons from seasoned pitmasters were absorbed, particularly under Frank at Hank Daddy’s Barbecue.
By 2015, this barbecue ambition began to solidify, shaped by experiences in Canada and the U.S and a stint with Edmonton’s Smokehouse BBQ team. Traveling and cooking throughout North America, eventually returning to Sydney in 2017, Crosdales BBQ was born.
Over the next few years, the hard work was put in, late nights, long cooks and days at a time in front of a fire led to bookings in advance of 6 months – a rare feat in the world of hospitality.
In 2022, Crosdales BBQ’s expanded to include two mobile bars, multiple live fire trailers, trailer smokers as well as moving into and fitting out a fully functioning commercial kitchen, the live fire scene in Sydney had a big new player in town.
2023 saw further accolades, including a top ranking at the Wedding Industry Awards and becoming the exclusive Australian distributor for Cheerwine – direct from North Carolina.
As 2024 begins, Crosdales BBQ, renowned for its journey across the American South, the Midwest, Upstate New York & across Canada all the way back to Sydney with a dedication to craft BBQ, a full 18 months of solid bookings, travel from coast to coast and abroad, the future is full of smoke and fire.