PICA RICA BBQ IN ST GEORGE, UTAH NAMED NUMBER 7 FOR BEST TEXAS STYLE BBQ IN THE COUNTRY BY TEXAS MONTHLY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 3, 2024
PICA RICA BBQ IN ST GEORGE, UTAH NAMED NUMBER 7 FOR BEST TEXAS STYLE BBQ IN THE COUNTRY BY TEXAS MONTHLY
St. George, Utah – There’s magic on main street in sunny St. George, Utah and it comes in the form of perfectly smoked meats, tantalizing bbq sides that’ll make your taste buds dance, and a dedicated team bringing their passion and craft every day. Pica Rica Bbq was just named #7 Bbq restaurant in the country outside of the Lone Star state by revered bbq publication, Texas Monthly!
“The most authoritative and respected bbq voices in the country ranked our beloved Pica Rica Bbq #7 for Texas style BBQ! We’re proudly reppin’ Utah as the only beehive bbq to make the top list and we couldn’t be more grateful to be recognized among such giants in the game. Our hearts are full and on behalf of everyone at the Pica Rica team, we thank all who helped us make this dream a reality. We’re radiating all the good vibes for this prestigious and ever earned accolade–WOW! I’m incredibly proud of my partner, Jason Neeley, and GM, Caytlin Werner, and the rest of our kick ass team who put in the hard work day in and day out to bring you the most flavorful and perfectly smoked meats and treats to our dining rooms! What more can we say about our beloved communities who have supported us from our earliest pop-up days to our Grand Opening and have been alongside our journey since we first teased our concept. You traveled near and far to partake in our loved, signature brisket and more. To say we love you is an understatement, y’all! ” said Michael McHenry, Co-founder of Pica Rica Bbq.
This recognition is crowned to the Utah bbq haven just 16 months after opening their doors in 2023. However, there’s more that meets the eye to this new kid on the block. Co-Founder & Partner, Jason Neeley, has been smoking meats and carefully curating his recipes for the last 15 years. Waiting for the right time, right partners, and perfected recipes, Jason and his team launched Pica Rica Bbq in his hometown of St. George, Utah in April 2023. It didn't take long for the community and travelers alike to take note of their newest, flavorful and savory dining experience in the city. The smokers, positioned in the back of the restaurant, can be found operating 16 hours a day to cook and smoke their signature meats to perfection. You can pinpoint how close you are to the restaurant by simply following your senses and smell its captivating and pleasing bbq aroma in the air.
It was an experience and menu that caught the curiosity of revered bbq critic and mastermind, David Vaughn. Vaughn is a key member of Texas Monthly publication and has spent the last decade traveling across texas and the country sampling thousands of bbq restaurants. His latest venture took him to 37 states and 149 bbq restaurants across the country who consider themselves Texas-style joints. When his journey was complete, he proudly published his United States of Texas Barbecue article where he identifies his Top 10 list and what he found along his bbq expedition.
“Today our little restaurant in downtown St. George, Utah was ranked by the world renowned bbq authority, David Vaughn, and Texas monthly as a top 10 joint outside of Texas. What an honor and I couldn’t be more grateful” said Jason Neeley. “So many people have put their heart and soul into bbq concept that frankly was foreign to most people in the area. Many people have supported us to get to this point in the short time we’ve been open. I seriously love you all and special thanks to my family, friends, and talented team!”
Pica Rica Bbq is the only Utah restaurant to make the list but one of three West Coast kitchens to make the Top 10. Jason credits his inspiration from central-Texas bbq restaurants and the skilled pitmasters he learned his love and passion. His acute taste and flavor for Mexican cuisine became an integral ingredient to marry the two cooking styles together to bring Pica Rica Bbq to life.
St. George, Utah is a desert city many travelers and explorers are familiar with due to its popularity, leisure attractiveness, and proximity to national parks. The city has seen 40% growth since the 2010 Census and is considered one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. Zions National Park, a top 3 visited National Park in the country seeing up to 5 Millions visitors annually, is only a 32 minute commute away from the city. Additionally, St. George is a well known hub for the golfing community and one of its courses is bringing back PGA Tour to Utah since 1963 this Fall 2024.
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