News Summary
Bristol Gardens and Grill, launched by entrepreneur Matt Shy, is elevating Bristol’s dining scene with award-winning barbecue. With locations in Virginia and Tennessee, the restaurant features unique smoked meats and a commitment to local, homegrown ingredients. Menu highlights include the Pulled Pork Plate and Cuban Sandwich, alongside a robust catering menu. The restaurant is also making waves with its signature barbecue sauces, all crafted for flavor. Bristol Gardens and Grill represents the spirit of local entrepreneurship and quality dining.
Bristol, Virginia – A local entrepreneur is transforming the dining landscape in Bristol with the launch of Bristol Gardens and Grill, which boasts award-winning barbecue. With two locations—one on Vance Street in Virginia and another at the Bristol Sportsplex in Tennessee—the restaurant has quickly made a name for itself in the culinary community.
Owner Matt Shy is dedicated to providing exceptional food experiences, with menu highlights including the popular Pulled Pork Plate and the flavorful Cuban Sandwich. Shy’s passion for barbecue is evident, as he personally designed and built his own smokers to optimize the cooking process. The smokers feature an indirect smoke system in the front firebox and direct smoke in the back, ensuring that the meats achieve maximum flavor.
Another unique aspect of Bristol Gardens and Grill is Shy’s commitment to using homegrown ingredients. He cultivates his own heirloom peppers, which play a key role in the restaurant’s signature rubs and sauces. The menu also emphasizes sustainability by including a variety of homegrown produce and herbs as core ingredients in its savory condiments.
Bristol Gardens and Grill offers a robust catering menu that caters to various events, providing an array of options for clients seeking quality barbecue fare. In addition to the food, customers can purchase the restaurant’s four distinct barbecue sauces. The sauces are available for $9 per jar both in-store and online, featuring a selection that includes:
- Signature Sauce: A sweet and tangy blend with a hint of spice.
- Alabama White Sauce: A creamy sauce that balances sweetness and spice.
- Western Carolina Sauce: A vinegar-based sauce infused with ketchup.
- South Carolina Sauce: A mustard-based variety that complements the meats exceptionally well.
Despite its success, Shy’s initial vision did not include opening a barbecue restaurant. Originally, he intended to revitalize the greenhouses located on the property. However, through his love of food and the community’s demand for high-quality barbecue, Bristol Gardens and Grill came to life.
The restaurant has gained recognition for consistently smoking and serving some of the finest meats and sides in the region, making it a go-to destination for barbecue enthusiasts. The combination of handcrafted cooking methods and the use of locally sourced ingredients has set Bristol Gardens and Grill apart from its competitors.
As Bristol Gardens and Grill continues to thrive, it has proven to be more than just a restaurant. It is a testament to the potential of local entrepreneurship and the growing demand for quality, home-cooked barbecue offerings. Whether dining in or preparing for an event with their catering services, patrons can look forward to a delightful experience that showcases the best of what Bristol has to offer.
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Additional Resources
- Johnson City Press
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Virginia
- WJHL
- Google Search: Matt Shy
- Virginia Living
- Google Scholar: Bristol Gardens and Grill
- Wide Open Country
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pulled Pork Plate
- Smithsonian Magazine: Barbecue
- Google News: barbecue restaurant
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
