Meet Chef Jonathan Fox of Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Brothers Jonathan & Justin Fox started Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q out of their house in Brookhaven about 20 years ago. Now, Fox Bros. is an Atlanta staple–it's the city's quintessential bbq joint. They've grown to 4 locations: the original Dekalb Ave spot, a restaurant at The Works on the west side, the "que-osk" on Ottley Drive, and a new restaurant in The Battery. (Braves & bbq? Yes, please!) We asked Jonathan a few questions about how they got started, so keep reading to learn more! 

Fox Bros' Enchilada Bake meal kit is on our menu right now. You won't want to miss this one.   

How did the two of you get into cooking bbq and how did that evolve into Fox Bros?

It started in 1998 when we moved to Atlanta from Texas, and we had a craving for that Texas Barbecue we grew up on. We were having a hard time satisfying that craving in what was at the time a very pork centric barbecue city. So out of necessity with no experience we started tinkering with Texas style barbecue in our backyard. At first we were pretty unsuccessful but not wanting to give up we stuck to it, and before we knew it our friends were wanting us to keep cooking! This was the start of Fox Bros Bar-B-Q.

A shot from one of their original backyard bbqs.

What was it like moving into the Atlanta food scene from Texas? What was the biggest difference you noticed?

It was very exciting! Not being familiar with the city, and getting to get out and see and try all the new flavors! It was very diverse compared to when I was growing up. I became enamored with not only barbecue, but the the flavors and history of southern cooking. At the time sides in barbecue were an afterthought, I wanted fresh options, like a southern meat and three. Taking the flavors and ingredients of southern cooking and working them into the style of food I’ve grew up. 

What’s your favorite ingredient to cook with?

Not sure if it counts as one ingredient but I love making and cooking with different rub mixes. Grilling meats with these blends of spices and creating great flavorful char. It is rewarding!

Favorite dish to make?

I love playing with salsas right now, but I am always down to make any type of taco.

When you aren’t manning the barbecue, what could we find you doing here in Atlanta?

I enjoy getting out to any of the great restaurants in Atlanta with my wife Raquel, enjoying oysters, crudo, sushi or pasta with a cocktail and great wine. 

Do you have any tips, tricks or suggestions for our at-home cooks making your Enchilada Bake meal kit? 

It gets even better the next day if you have any left! 

ORDER THE FOX BROS ENCHILADA BAKE MEAL KIT >>

ORDER FOX BROS BBQ SAUCES TO BE DELIVERED IN YOUR G&G ORDER >>