Metro’s beloved pitmaster/pastor is cooking without gas.
Gas station, in other words.
The beloved barbecue pop-up, Joe’s Sacred Smoke BBQ, now has its own home on 1515 Lee Road in Orlando, a space that is now more recently by Cupid’s hot dogs (scattered with Alanis Morisette-style sarcasm).
For the first time I enjoyed the sacred, cocky nutrition of Joseph “Joe Cool” Hollis in 2022.
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I grabbed some photos and a false bite, and a black, tornado cloud chased me from the Casselberry Shell Station, where he returned to the direction of the house. It got so bad, I pit stop on Publix, hanger down and let the strong winds pass. But without them, the ribs and thick mac and cheese from Hollis Falls would have cooked their final meal before meeting my maker.
As Joe’s Sacred Smoke enjoys the opening day at 1515 Lee Road in Orlando, the forecast for Saturday (February 22) was 69 degrees, a heavenly day to try out Hollis’ BBQ. Grand opening at 11am
“I put my heart and soul into this, so I’m so excited to open it, and I wanted to give it another shot,” says Hollis.
Hollis had finished barbecue games for about a year since Shell Station changed hands, and the new owner had other ideas about the space he ran.
“I looked around Casselberry and couldn’t find any new spots,” he says. “After a while, I was discouraged and decided to do something else.”
However, after spending some time at the usual 9-5 job, Hollis felt the call of that entrepreneurial spirit after constantly calling with friends and fans to plead for a barbecue. He says it’s a thrill to have a sit-in spot to call his own.
Lee Road Space features Hollis’ Rib Dog (thick ribs served in toasted buttergalic hot dog bread decorated with thick ribs) and overloaded mud potatoes (large potatoes stacked with meat selection, A new home with sour cream and Colby’s large potatoes. Jack cheese, bacon bits, chives) Two super-sized favorites from artisans who love to lay out thick sauces and toppings. Other merchandise to explore include those ridiculous ribs, bowls of protein-top rice or mac and cheese, pulled pork or smoked fiber cheesesteak, sandwiches such as traditional ribs and chicken dinners, and more. It contains a wealth of style sides.
“It should be a big party on Saturday,” he says. “We expect a big turnout.”
Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel
This is a rib dog. Any attempt to eat it with your hands will fail. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)
Hollis enjoys a lot of support from the community, especially the veterans, as he is a Navy Veterinarian himself (and former Navy boxing champion). Veterinarians and essential workers, including police, firefighters and hospital staff, enjoy the ongoing 10% discount.
Special promotions (including the Rib Dog Combo Special this weekend) and warm welcome from Joe’s Sacred Smoke Team will be provided on a large scale. As quality cues often occur, the food may end up disappearing, but don’t think the latter will go anywhere.
Do you want to reach out to me? Find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @Amydroo or the Osfoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun, join Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group or follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
If you’re going
Joe’s Holy Smoke BBQ: 1515 Lee Road, Orlando, 407-585-7311; instagram.com/jkholysmokebbq; facebook.com/p/joes-holy-smoke-bbq-100072427119929
