At Rising Tide BBQ, we believe that magic happens when you combine simple yet high-quality ingredients with the timeless techniques of cooking over wood and smoke. Our story, rooted in family traditions and a passion for exceptional barbecue, goes beyond just serving great food—it’s about honoring the integrity of each ingredient and the process we use to bring out its best flavors.
Our Journey: Where It All Began
Rising Tide BBQ officially launched in 2024, but the passion for BBQ began long before that. The fire started in the mid-90s when grandmother would pack bbq in her suitcase to bring to RI for owner WIll Burgess’ birthday as a kid. The love of BBQ kicked off a family “quest for the best BBQ Sauce” that ultimately continued for over a decade with dozens of sauces demoed from all over the world. After 14 years of experience gained in operating “The Food Shack,” a street fare and taco restaurant in Middletown, Rising Tide BBQ was born as a catering business & pop-up restaurant operating 3 days a week out of the Food Shack to share our passion for great BBQ and only the best ingredients.
Cooking with Wood & Smoke: A Return to Authentic BBQ
At the heart of our approach is a commitment to cooking the old-fashioned way: low and slow over whole hickory logs. Our BBQ is smoked fresh daily, and we take pride in the time it takes to get it just right. From our grass fed beef brisket and kalua pig to St. Louis Ribs and chicken, cook times take up to 13 hours, ensuring that deep, smoky flavor penetrates every bite. This dedication means we only prepare a limited amount each day—once it’s gone, it’s gone. We don’t rush the process, and we don’t cut corners. The result is BBQ that stays true to its roots, with a flavor that speaks for itself.
Why Ingredients Matter: Sourcing the Best
At Rising Tide BBQ, the quality of our ingredients is just as important as the way we cook them. We source our ingredients from local, sustainable, and regenerative farms whenever possible. When local options aren’t available, we rely on vendors who meet our rigorous standards for quality. Why does this matter? Because what you put into your food affects not just the taste, but your health and well-being.
We demand better ingredients. That’s why you won’t find processed seed oils, high fructose corn syrup, or enriched flours and grains in any of our dishes. Instead, we use 100% healthy, cold-pressed oils like avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, and coconut oil. Even our cast iron cornbread is made with Italian 00 flour, which is free of folic acid and glyphosate—ingredients commonly found in traditional white flours that we believe should be kept out of our diet.
Sauce with Integrity
Our commitment to quality doesn’t stop at the meat. Every sauce we make is free of artificial sweeteners and chemical shelf stabilizers whether enjoyed in our restaurant, at your event, or bottled for your enjoyment at home! When you dip your BBQ into one of our sauces, you can trust that it’s made from the best ingredients possible, enhancing the flavor of our smoked meats without any hidden additives.
The Meat Matters
The foundation of any great BBQ is the meat, and at Rising Tide BBQ, we take our meat seriously. From brisket to pork, we ensure that only the best cuts make it to our smoker. We understand that quality meat, combined with the right seasoning and technique, is the key to mouthwatering BBQ. By smoking our meats slowly and carefully, we allow the natural flavors to develop and deepen, creating a rich, tender bite that’s hard to beat.
What sets Rising Tide BBQ apart is our unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. It’s about more than just great food—it’s about respecting the ingredients, the process, and the people we serve. When you enjoy a plate of Rising Tide BBQ, you’re not just eating a meal; you’re experiencing the culmination of years of passion, tradition, and dedication to quality.
So, the next time you’re craving authentic BBQ, know that at Rising Tide BBQ, we’re dedicated to delivering a dining experience that’s as pure, flavorful, and honest as the ingredients we use. Come taste the difference that cooking with wood, smoke, and integrity makes.