Black Sheep Bah-Bah-Q makes jump from smoker trailer to Chandler Street restaurant

When Jennifer Wright and Patrick Flynn of Paxton came up with the catchy name Black Sheep Bah-Bah-Q, they never expected their brand would go from smoker trailer to a brick and mortar location.

After establishing the brand as a roadside trailer in Leicester in 2021 and two seasons in Spencer, the couple in January officially opened for dine-in and take-out at 397 Chandler St., Worcester, former spot of City Bar & Grille and later a private club.

The name Black Sheep Bah-Bah-Q & Kitchen truly reflects the owners’ concept, food and restaurant statement, and won’t be confused with competition.

The couple bought the trailer at an online auction site. They first saw it on the side of the road in New Hampshire at a time when the owner didn’t want to sell, said Wright.

“When we called again and he told us the trailer would be sold at auction, we knew we had to bid,” she said.

The completely refurbished 37-foot trailer with a full kitchen and 12-rack rotisserie smoker had barbecue fanslined up when it parked on leased properties. The decision to look for a permanent home was a logical step, saidWright.

“The trailer wasn’t easy to move and winter wasn’t ideal for our operation. Why not look for a year-roundvenue where we could have good food, drinks and music?” she said.

Wright said narrowing down empty spaces wasn’t easy at first. Some didn’t even have kitchens.

“We looked in and outside the city, and we’re really happy about finding this location,” she said. “A neighborhood restaurant is community and our neighbors have been friendly and supportive. And, there’s parking.”

Black Sheep Bah-Bah-Q & Kitchen currently is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday, and Wednesday throughSaturday. They are closed Tuesday and Sunday.

The restaurant accommodates 70, with additional outside seasonal seating, and there's also a small bar with a full liquor license.

Go to blacksheepbahbahq.com, or its Facebook and Instagram pages for restaurant info and updates. Call 774-479-1010 about catering and catered food delivery. Note: Proceeds from sale of plants and handmade wooden bird houses (at restaurant entrance) benefit local charities.

Sunday brunch at the restaurant is coming soon, according to Wright and Flynn, who also will pair with local artistswho want to showcase their work. Once a month at the restaurant there would be a ‘Meet and Greet’ with artists,they said.

20 years experience

Wright brings more than 20 years of industry experience to the restaurant. For more than 10 years she was generalmanager at Brew City Grill & Brew House in Worcester; Flynn has a background in construction.

In 2019, Wright and Flynn announced plans to buy and restore the former Olympia Theater in Worcester to a music venue. With the onset of the pandemic, however, the project fell through, according to Wright, who said the couple, “worked endlessly and spent a ton of money.”

Black Sheep offers plenty to delight the taste buds with an expanded menu of barbecue, American comfort foodand gluten-free options. Choose from starters, soups, sandwiches, Bah-Bah-Q sandwiches and entrees, sides,desserts and drinks.

Chicken and waffles, chicken pot pie, fish and chips, baked mac and cheese, steak tips, ravioli and meatballs andveggie lasagna are some of the non-barbecue entrees. Sandwich choices include Angus burger, tuna melt,meatloaf, grilled cheese, fried fish, waffle chicken and meatball.

“We smoke our meats on-site and serve plenty of Jen’s house made sauces,” said Flynn. From start to finish ittakes about 36 hours cook time, he said, explaining how he uses red oak because it’s a great smoking wood.

“I use wood the entire process, no gas,” he said.

Dedicated staff

The back-of-the house team at Black Sheep includes chefs Diane George and Scott Gould.

George, a recent hire, was co-owner with her husband Richard George of the former Dianna’s Neighborhood Bistroon June Street in Worcester. Both of them had worked at Ciao Bella in Worcester for more than 15 years.

Richard George, who at one time had managed Ciao Bella, currently is executive chef at the Post Office Pub in North Grafton, according to Wright. Gould also had worked at Ciao Bella and Dianna’s Neighborhood Bistro and previously was in the back of the house at Piccolo’s in Worcester.

Wright and Flynn said they are considering parking their smoker trailer in front of the restaurant when a parade orspecial event is scheduled in the city. Food and soft drinks would be sold before and after events. March 17,corned beef will be the traditional St. Patrick’s Day food at Black Sheep Bah-Bah-Q restaurant.

Weather permitting, look for wooden cut-outs of black sheep placed near the Chandler Street restaurant. It’s apromotional idea that attracts customers.

Welcome back to the city, Jen and Patrick!

Cookie creation weekend

The Marlborough-Hudson Girl Scouts will conduct its annual Cookie Creation Weekend, March 3-5. During this time, businesses in the community create cookie-inspired dishes and drinks, according to Kith and Kin in Hudson, one of the participating restaurants.

Kith and Kin, 40 Washington St., announced its creations to include a chocolate fudge brownie bread pudding with crème anglaise, local vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. The Girl Scout new brownie flavored cookie is the inspiration for the dessert recipe. Kith and Kin’s specialty cocktail features the Girl Scout raspberry flavored cookie.

Connect on social media to learn more about Cookie Creation Weekend. To make reservations at Kith and Kin, call978-562-3800.

Reminder

Worcester Restaurant Week continues through March 11. Participating restaurants offer three-course menus for $28.23. Check it out!If you have a tidbit for the column, call 508-868-5282, or email bhoulefood@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Black Sheep Bah-Bah-Q makes jump from smoker trailer to restaurant