Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Authentic Southern Barbecue Since 1972
Since 1972, Buddy's Bar-B-Q has been a cornerstone of East Tennessee's dining scene, rooted in family tradition and Southern hospitality. Our commitment to quality begins with meats slow-cooked onsite daily in hickory pits, using recipes perfected over generations. We prioritize convenience through drive-thru service and off-premises dining options, which account for 68% of our sales, while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for in-store guests. Our team, led by third-generation family members, takes pride in delivering consistent, flavorful barbecue classics like Pork Sandwiches and Smoky Ribs alongside innovative dishes such as Hawg Back Fries.With 19 locations across Tennessee, we've expanded our reach while preserving the values of our original 24-seat Knoxville restaurant. Our Tuesday Dinner Specials and homemade desserts, including the iconic Hot Fudge Cake, reflect our dedication to providing great value without compromising quality. Through decades of community engagement, we've become synonymous with authentic Southern barbecue, serving both everyday meals and holiday feasts for families across the region.
Services
Barbecue Catering
Holiday Feasts
Drive-Thru Service
Takeout Orders
Family Meal Packs
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We've perfected Southern barbecue recipes over 50+ years of operation
- All meats are hickory-smoked onsite daily at every location
- Drive-thru service provides fast access to quality barbecue meals
- Catering available for events with family packs and holiday feasts
- Homemade desserts like our signature Hot Fudge Cake complete every meal
Services
Barbecue Catering
Our catering team delivers slow-cooked hickory-smoked meats and homestyle sides for events of all sizes. From corporate functions to family gatherings, we provide complete meal solutions with setup options for dine-in or takeout. With 50 years of culinary expertise, we ensure every catering order maintains the same quality standards as our restaurant meals.
Holiday Feasts
Pre-order complete holiday meals featuring smoked turkeys, spiral hams, and traditional sides. Each feast serves 6-8 people with customizable options including pies and beverages. Available during major holidays with both online ordering and in-store pickup options at all Tennessee locations.
Drive-Thru Service
Convenient drive-thru access for our full menu of barbecue classics and daily specials. Designed to serve customers in 44% of our total transactions, this option maintains our quality standards while providing fast service for busy patrons across East Tennessee.
Family Meal Packs
Pre-assembled meal bundles serve 4-6 people with choices of meats, sides, and buns. Ideal for tailgating or family dinners, these packs include hushpuppies, sauce, and cookies in portable packaging. Available for both dine-in and takeout orders at all locations.
Homemade Desserts
Daily-baked desserts feature our signature Hot Fudge Cake and seasonal specialties. Each location offers hand-spun milkshakes and pie options that complement our barbecue menu. Desserts are available as standalone orders or meal accompaniments with both dine-in and takeout options.
People
Brad Wantland
Director of Training
With 15 years at Buddy's, Brad progressed from hourly employee to director of training, managing operations at high-volume locations before assuming his current role in 2020.
Sandy Hayes
Regional Manager
A 39-year veteran of Buddy's, Sandy advanced from cashier to regional manager since 1985, overseeing multiple locations and mentoring generations of restaurant staff.
Sonya Paris
Regional Manager
With 35 years of service, Sonya moved from cashier to general manager before becoming regional manager in 2024, contributing to operational excellence across multiple Tennessee locations.
Questions
What catering options are available for large groups?
We offer family packs serving 4-6 people and holiday feasts for 6-8 guests, with customizable meat and side combinations available for pickup or delivery.
Can I order holiday meals online?
Yes, holiday feasts with turkey or ham can be ordered online, though availability may vary by location during peak seasons.
How long has Buddy's been in business?
We've served East Tennessee since 1972, when the first location opened in Knoxville, making us a 50+ year barbecue tradition.
What makes Buddy's barbecue unique?
All meats are slow-cooked daily in onsite hickory pits using family recipes, with each location featuring its own smoking facility.
Do you have vegetarian options?
While our focus is on barbecue meats, we offer multiple side dishes including mac & cheese, green beans, and baked potatoes.
Reviews (5)
Sheryl Anderson
May 15, 2022
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I'm done with this Buddy's. I used to go there often.no more. The last few times they can not get an order straight. This last time I ordered baked beans, when checking the order it had green beans. The cashier had keyed in the wrong thing. When I went to eat my lemon pie later, the width of it was less than a plastic fork - see photo. That was the straw that did it. I will find some where else for bar b que.
Rush Payton
May 14, 2022
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Sorry to have bothered you folks! Stopped, asked a few questions, got the bored "why are you bothering me" eye roll. And then didn't get the right food. Sigh. Enough of trying to support the locals. Oh yeah, and it tastes bad too.
Camutk
May 11, 2022
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This crew is the sharpest crew of any of the Knoxville Metro Buddy's. I added some oft overlooked complexities to the order. When received, I got exactly what I requested. Stellar. Thank you all.
Wayne Robbins Ii
May 05, 2022
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Clean, fast, efficient and friendly. The food was good as usual but the staff is really doing a spectacular job here.
Patsy Woodson
Apr 23, 2022
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First time eating here. Food was Delicious! Loved their hot bbq sauce! My son demolished the chili cheese fries! We ate every bite! Highly recommended! PS.the service was excellent!