The Flavor Revolution: Discover the Unique Culinary Journey of Union Barbecue!

Welcome to the world of Union Barbecue, where traditional barbecue meets vibrant Latin flavors! Founded by Holden Sasser, this culinary gem is making waves in Charlotte, transforming the way we think about barbecue. Let’s dive into the delicious details of this unique dining experience.

From Investment Banking to Flavor-Infused Barbecue

Holden Sasser's journey into the culinary world is as rich as the flavors he serves. Growing up in kitchens around Charlotte, he was always warned by his father, Tom Sasser, about the challenges of the restaurant business. Despite this, Holden couldn’t resist the call of the culinary scene. After a stint in investment banking and food-tech companies, he knew it was time to return to his true passion: food.

Weekend Food Truck Adventures

On most weekends, you’ll find Holden’s food truck parked outside local breweries, serving up a feast that includes:

• Barbacoa Sandwiches
• Brisket Chorizo
• Adobo Spareribs

These mouthwatering dishes are accompanied by sides like:

• Smokey Sweet Potatoes
• Elote Salad

And don’t forget to save room for dessert, where you can indulge in rotating treats such as Banana Pudding and the infamous Big Deborah!

A Fusion of Cultures

Holden’s love for Latin flavors blossomed during his time in Mexico City. He saw an opportunity to merge these vibrant tastes with the classic barbecue he grew up around. “Tex-Mex and barbecue is nothing new,” he explains, “but I aimed to take it even further.” The name Union Barbecue reflects this culinary fusion, as “union” resonates in both Spanish and English.

Perfecting the Menu

Since returning to Charlotte, Sasser has hosted numerous pop-up events, each time experimenting with new flavors and techniques. His menu is ever-evolving, but you can always count on staples like:

• Brisket
• Smokey Sweet Potatoes
• Seasonal specials such as chorizo links and turkey

With the help of his friend Chase Young, Sasser continuously innovates, offering unique bar snacks and decadent desserts. The Big Deborah has become a crowd favorite, described as “Debbie all grown up” due to its impressive size and flavor.

Future Aspirations

While Sasser isn’t rushing to open a brick-and-mortar location, he’s focused on perfecting his craft. “I’m thinking about barbecue as a cooking technique, not just pulled pork,” he shares. His goal is to introduce Charlotte to innovative ways of using smoke to enhance various dishes, from beef to cauliflower.

As Union Barbecue continues to grow, Holden Sasser remains committed to delivering memorable dining experiences that showcase the beauty of flavor fusion.

What do you think?

• Do you believe barbecue should stick to its roots, or is fusion cuisine the future?
• How do you feel about the growing trend of food trucks versus traditional restaurants?
• Is there a particular barbecue style that should dominate in Charlotte?
• What unique flavors would you like to see combined with barbecue?
• Can dessert really compete with the main course in a barbecue setting?

Your thoughts and opinions matter, and we invite you to share them! Join the conversation and let us know what you think about the exciting innovations happening at Union Barbecue.