Do you love our Famous Pulled Pork Barbecue?
So do we! In fact, it’s what put us on the map. The funny thing is it was never supposed to be served at all.
No cooks here
When my dad opened Sunnyside in the early 90s, he envisioned the store as a one-stop-shop for items of convenience. He wanted it to be like the country stores he remembered from his childhood. He also wanted Sunnyside to be a place folks could go to get things like bread and milk quickly, as opposed to having to go to town.
He never considered offering hot food.
My dad was fine with serving things like German bologna, “old” cheese, and souse, but he had no interest in cooking. This is interesting because he is quite a good cook. Just ask anyone who’s tried our Delicious Fried Chicken! So how did Sunnyside start serving our Famous Pulled Pork Barbecue, daily?
It was an employee.
Accidental Stardom
One day, my dad had to leave the store to tend to some errands. He had some pulled pork sitting in the back of the store. An employee saw it during her shift, and assumed it was meant to be served. She brought it up front and began serving it on sandwiches to customers.
Everyone loved it.
When my dad returned that evening,he saw his barbecue was gone. The employee apologized, stating she thought it was for sale. After hearing how well sales went for the barbecue sandwiches, though, my dad decided to keep serving it.
A 25 year legacy
For the longest time, I thought my dad was pulling my leg when he claimed folks came from New York just for his barbecue. Then I actually met these folks when we reopened in 2012. They came from as close as Kino, Va to as far away as California! Each one held our store dear in their hearts.
It is a pleasure to be a part of a business so many folks have fond memories about. Some recall Sunnyside as the place to get candy as a kid, while others see it as the place that always had what they needed. If we didn’t, they knew we would try our best to get it for them. There’s one thing they all have in common.
The first thing folks ask us, when they enter the doors of Sunnyside is if we “still have that pork barbecue.” It is always said with an excitement that warms our hearts. After replying yes, we then inform them that our pulled pork is now available in various forms.
Pulled Pork Happiness for All
It wouldn’t be Sunnyside if we didn’t still offer our Famous Pulled Pork Barbecue Sandwich, topped with our Creamy Coleslaw, and a dash of Texas Pete Hot Sauce. However, we’ve gotten a little creative over the years, to help folks enjoy our barbecue in as many ways as possible. We now offer our pulled pork:
- in a carb-conscious bowl, called ‘Que Bowls without bread
- topped with your choice of Creamy Coleslaw and Texas Pete
- as a part of Jamie’s Pulled Pork Platter
- includes a small order of Creamy Coleslaw, Homestyle Potato Salad, and a hunk of our Sweet Cornbread
- by the pound
- as a part of catering packages
The one thing that hasn’t changed though, is that you’ll be sure to enjoy our Famous Pulled Pork Barbecue no matter how it’s served.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy Sunnyside’s Famous Pulled Pork Barbecue? Share below.