Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tombstones / Barbecue Oh No: Jimmy Carl's BBQ to Shut Down Station Inn Operations Nov. 4
Posted by Steve Haruch on Tue, Oct 12, 2010 at 4:07 PM
- Photo: Eric England
- Pat Isbey
My cohort and cube neighbor D. Patrick Rodgers hoofed it down the block this afternoon and asked partner Russell Nelson why they're dousing the coals. (Russell's the friendly fellow, usually wearing a Chicago White Sox hat — which makes him my kind of guy — who asks, "What you sippin' on?" when you take your seat for lunch. Which we do. Sometimes twice, or even three times, a week.) As you might have guessed, the decision comes down to money, or lack thereof. Between running lunch in The Gulch and catering private events (like the Scene's Next Big Nashville V.I.P. party) on the side, Nelson says that he and pitmaster Pat Isbey haven't had a day off in the past three weeks — and they still haven't been able to make ends meet.
Is this the end of Jimmy Carl's Lunch Box? Perhaps not. They're looking for investors interested in opening a permanent location — they'd like to stay near downtown — and Nelson thinks that with a dinner service and the ability to sell beer they'd be able to cover food costs and make a better run of it. Maybe it really was too good to be true that I got to talk White Sox baseball (and now, Bears football) over great barbecue just a short walk from work, but c'mon Nashville — when Nov. 5 rolls around, I'll be down to one walkable lunch option in The Gulch that doesn't make me want to die. And I don't want to want to die.
Comments (24)
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That is some sad news. I was only able to get there a few times because of logistics, but it was delightful on each visit. I hope something works out for them in the near future!
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I felt like I did my part to keep Jimmy Carl's in the black, but it wasn't enough. Let's hope they find another home.
Yikes, our office is there and I've been enjoying the lunchbox several times a week. The good news is that The Turnip Truck will be open by then.
That's too bad. I really do love their ribs. I hope they can resurface.
Question: If you were going to open a BBQ restaurant in this city in 2010, where would you put it? Which part of town is ripe for a BBQ joint?
Not only is the barbecue at Jimmy Carl's great, but the sides are outstanding. Best macaroni salad I know of -- the pasta shells have a nice bite (not soggy), and are moistened with really fresh, not gloppy dressing and studded with finely diced celery.
I also love the almost-nuclear hot slaw with red cabbage, and the beans made with multiple types of legume and some shredded pork.
I eat at Jimmy Carl's almost every day. Mondays, when it's closed, have always been tough. I can't bear to think about a permanent closure.
Does East Nashville have any good BBQ joints? I heard Drifter's isn't very authentic (roasted, not smoked) & Phil's looks like it's closed down. I can speak from experience that Phil's wasn't good at all. Maybe Jimmy Carl's would be a good fit? I'm not just saying that cause it's on my side of the pond :)
@Steve H. I always thought JC's Lunch Bus would be a great idea too!
@Dana Kopp Frankin I love the macaroni salad! My favorite was the Hot Beef sandwich with macaroni salad. I was so sad when they took it off the menu. I'm a huge fan of the stuffed loin sandwiches too. And the chicken thighs. And the pulled pork. And the beans.....
I've heard good things about Tom's Elite Carry Outs on Gallatin, but I still haven't been there.
BBQ Bus -- let's do this!
@Shannon:
I second the East Nashville idea! And third it! And fourth it! I would be a regular. The truth is, I would probably go more for dinner in my 'hood than i have gone for lunch. I try not to eat a heavy lunch for fear of falling asleep at my desk.
W Nashville lost a pretty good BBQ joint when Paradise Ridge recently shutdown.
Did they move somewhere else-----does anyone know???
AM, Paradise Ridge is concentrating on their catering. They were serving at the Music City BBQ Festival. No word on a new bricks and mortar location.
I think a consolidation is in order. "Judge Jimmy Carl Martin's Mothership Paradise" anyone?
From an east-sider: Tom's Elite is good stuff, including the sides. D's Q is certainly missed, but only their BBQ, their sides were pretty unremarkable.
I've never been to Jimmy Carl's for a comparison.
Cato and Bailey's BBQ is not their best offering, but love that place.
never been to Drifter's, but it seems like more of a "restaurant concept" than a joint opened by a passionate BBQ'er.
Waaaa. I could cry. Love the BBQ with a tad of slaw. And of course, love the boys. I wish I had extra dough to invest. They're BBQ is my favorite... besides the secret Saturday place. :) Good luck guys. Guess, I'll be over for lunch today.
I love everything about Bailey & Cato except the service.
B&C pork + Louisiana Hot Sauce = happy gnome.
I agree, TobintheGnome. I don't like the service at B&C either. The fried chicken is pretty good, but I'm not a conniseur. I pretty much like any kind of fried chicken. I had a chicken & dressing daily special once that was kind of gross. A big glob mushy stuffing, shredded chicken, topped with gravy. Normally something I would like, but the texture was off. Southern Bred is my favorite meat +3. I've been wanting to try Tom's Elite, but haven't made it yet. I hear they have smoked wings.
I love the guys at Jimmy Carl's as much as the food. I never felt weird eating in there by myself (I kinda have a thing about eating by myself in public). Russ, Pat, or Dwayne would always come by to chat. I hope they can get some investors & a permanent space.
ps. Anyone ever see Russ on the show Operation Repo? He has a mullet & is wearing a cut off shirt haha. Youtube "operation repo tractor repo" & it's the first one that comes up.
Maybe I'm crazy...but I'm pretty sure this guy is wearing a Cincinnati Reds hat and not a Chicago White Sox hat?
@Go Cubs: Different guy. The guy in the picture is Pat. The White Sox fan is Russell.
Check out the Scene's print edition (on newsstands today) to see Russell in his Sox hat, enjoying ribs. And -- though I am probably unwise to say this given the strong sympathies in a neighboring cubicle -- Go Cubs!
