Study and Smoke
Popular Central Texas barbecue chain carves out new UTSA location
Meat-lovers at the University of Texas at San Antonio have a new study motivator as Smokey Mo’s BBQ moves in. The small, but growing chain is opening a new location at 6010 UTSA Blvd. #106 on September 21.
A grand opening celebration that day, starting at 10 am, will be slinging chopped sandwiches for $5. There will also be a gift basket raffle with tacos, barbecue sauce, dry rubs, spices, and t-shirts. Five winners in a separate drawing will win free Smokey Mo’s BBQ for a year. Raffle proceeds will go to Branden Esquivel, who studies at Clark High School and will use the funds to campaign for the Fiesta Especial Royal Court. The total will eventually end up with accessible theme park Morgan's Wonderland.
This location puts Smokey Mo's slightly closer to residential rather than campus action, toward apartment buildings and Costco. However, release says it's one of the "flagship storefronts" at the Roadrunner Creek Retail Center, which is a new project by Santikos Enterprises.
The nearest existing location is at 7915 W Loop 1604 N. Ste. 101, about 15 minutes away, driving. This makes six locations in the San Antonio metro and 20 overall, which pushes the Austin-based franchise since 2000 out of micro-chain status.
Smokey Mo's is known for its casual atmosphere, accessibility, and reliable meats, smoked in-house. The menu certainly does not reinvent the wheel, centering around a choice of brisket, turkey, pork ribs, pork loin, sausage, jalapeño sausage, or whole and half chickens, plus chopped versions of the meats. They can be enjoyed as plates, sandwiches, wraps, or notably, on a baked potato, alongside a few other flourished.
Sides are similarly traditional, including pinto beans, potato salad, cole slaw, green beans, bacon cheddar potates, roasted creamed corn, and mac and cheese. Family and group packs makes it easy to feed more people. At breakfast, Smokey Mo's switches things up with tacos, egg bowls, and biscuits, and this location will also serve weekday lunch specials.
This franchise location is owned by the Saldivar Brothers, who already own and operate a location on Stone Oak Parkway.
“We are so excited to open our second Smokey Mo’s location, and to bring the best neighborhood barbecue in Texas to our new location near UTSA,” said Bobby Saldivar. “We know our new neighbors will love our in-house smoked meats and friendly service, and we look forward to supporting our new community!”
The chain as a whole supports community involvement with benefactors like "local high schools, charitable organizations, and houses of worship."
The UTSA Smokey Mo’s BBQ will be open Mondays through Fridays from 7 am to 9 pm, and 8 am to 9 pm Sundays. More information and online ordering are available at smokeymosbbq.com.
