The headline moment for local food lovers arrives as a Colorado barbecue chain opens first Tampa Bay location, marking an exciting expansion into West Central Florida. A national barbecue favorite has officially planted roots in the region, bringing its signature slow-smoked flavors, Southern hospitality, and community-driven dining experience to Pinellas County.
A New Flavor Lands in Seminole
When a Colorado barbecue chain opens first Tampa Bay location, it’s more than just another restaurant opening—it’s a culinary milestone. Colorado-based Moe’s Original BBQ opened its first Pinellas County location Jan. 12 in Seminole at 10801 Starkey Road. The new spot occupies a 2,535-square-foot endcap at Bardmoor Promenade, a Publix-anchored shopping center. This debut also marks Moe’s very first presence in the Tampa Bay area, adding to its existing Florida locations in Panama City Beach and Destin with bold barbecue tradition, local dining, and regional growth at the forefront.
Alabama-Style Barbecue Done Right
The restaurant has built its reputation around authentic Alabama-style barbecue, and that commitment shines through every dish. The menu centers on pork that’s slow-smoked to perfection, carefully seasoned, and paired with house-made sauces. Favorites include Moe’s famous ‘Bama-style white sauce, a tangy tomato-based red sauce, plus classic sides like pickles and slaw. This approach blends authentic barbecue, signature sauces, and scratch-made cooking into a crave-worthy experience.
A Family Dream Turned Reality
Moe’s in Seminole is locally owned and operated by Brian and Janeen Fairhurst alongside their children, Kamari and Tobias. Brian Fairhurst’s journey with the brand spans more than two decades, starting in the kitchen before managing and owning multiple locations across North Carolina. That passion ultimately led the family to Florida, where the dream became real.
“This has been a dream come true for our family,” Brian Fairhurst said. “We’re excited to bring Moe’s to the Tampa Bay community, sharing our Southern hospitality and our favorite home-made dishes. Because Moe’s is not just about great barbecue, it’s about bringing people together.”
Their story reflects family ownership, restaurant heritage, and community connection.
Fresh, From-Scratch Menu Options
Every menu item at Moe’s is made daily from scratch, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to quality. Guests can enjoy signature staples like the slow-cooked pulled pork sandwich, along with generous family-sized takeout meals. The restaurant offers dine-in, take-out, online ordering, third-party delivery, and catering—making it accessible for every occasion. This focus on fresh ingredients, flexible dining, and customer convenience sets Moe’s apart.
From Alabama Roots to National Reach
Founded in 2001 by three friends who met at the University of Alabama, Moe’s Original BBQ later relocated its headquarters to Vail, Colorado. Today, the chain boasts more than 50 locations across Florida, Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia. Its steady growth highlights national expansion, brand loyalty, and regional appeal.
More Development Coming to Pinellas County
Moe’s joins a bustling retail and restaurant hub at the intersection of Bryan Dairy Road and Starkey Road. Bardmoor Promenade spans 154,867 square feet and currently offers seven available spaces totaling 22,458 square feet, ranging from 525 to 10,080 square feet. The barbecue joint now sits alongside restaurants like Smashburger, Applebee’s, Little Greek Restaurant, Starbucks, Panera, and Smooth King, with neighboring tenants including Chase Bank, UPS, Great Clips, Ace Hardware, and Wells Fargo. This signals strong retail momentum, commercial growth, and local investment.
Seminole and Largo See Rising Activity
Beyond the plaza, Seminole and surrounding areas continue to see major development. Basis Industrial, based in Delray Beach, closed on the Starkey Center I and II business parks in May 2025. Meanwhile, Enclave on East, a 196-unit apartment complex in Largo, sold for $34 million at the start of 2026. Swig, the drive-thru soda shop, is also evaluating a vacant parcel in Largo for a potential location. These moves point to economic expansion, real estate activity, and regional demand.
Retail Leasing Trends to Watch
Industry experts confirm the momentum. “We’ve seen retail leasing activity ramp up in 2025,” CoStar analyst Michelle Rumore previously told the Tampa Bay Business Journal. “With a limited construction pipeline, backfilling vacancies or redeveloping underutilized space has been the game plan for many retailers this year.” The quote underscores market strategy, retail trends, and future opportunities shaping the area.
The smell of slow-smoked barbecue is just the beginning—because when a Colorado barbecue chain opens first Tampa Bay location, it may signal even bigger flavors and developments still to come.
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