Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, the food truck that sets up shop out front of Ace of Cups in Clintonville, will open a physical location in Westerville tomorrow. After celebrating a grand opening on Saturday, Ray Ray’s is ready to formally open, bringing their traditional, purist style barbecue to the area.
The building at 5755 Maxtown Road was a perfect fit for Ray Ray’s, said Valerie Belt, Ray Ray’s Hog Pit Catering and HR Manager. They stumbled up on it while looking for a place where they could grow their production. It had a pick-up window and a patch of green space that’ll have picnic tables for sit-down dining. The building even came with some equipment, but Belt said they switched it out for their own. They gave the place a makeover as well, looking to bring the same brand, look and feel of the food truck into their new location.
Westerville itself was a dream location, too, Belt said.
“We’re already in Clintonville, and when we were looking at new areas and different locations we wanted to make sure we were going to a place where there wasn’t anyone doing traditional, purist style barbecue,” she said. “And that area — it’s showing so much growth. NorthStar is there, 101 Beer Kitchen is now in there. There are a lot of restaurants that are moving from Downtown to that area, and we wanted to be a part of that growth.”
Although the new location will be immobile, that’s about all that will differ from the popular food truck. Ray Ray’s will still offer the same menu of hardwood smoked meats, including ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken thighs, as well as their scratch-made sauces, sandwiches and southern sides. And, for those who don’t want to make the drive to Westerville, the food truck will remain in business as well.
“We’re excited to be a part of the Westerville, Genoa Township community, and ready to serve our traditional, hardwood smoked barbecue to our loyal customers and hopefully gain some new fans.” said owner James “Ray Ray” Anderson in a press release.
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit will open in Westerville tomorrow. It’ll open for six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The truck will continue to operate every Thursday through Sunday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, visit rayrayshogpit.com.