Big John’s Alabama BBQ

BY MONIQUE STAMPS

Sentinel Staff Writer

       Repeating the honor they received in 2021, East Tampa’s Big John’s Alabama BBQ has once again been named Southern Living Magazine’s 2024 Best BBQ Joint in Florida.

      Corey Miller, grandson of Rev. John A. “Big John” Stephens, says that the family is grateful for the recognition.

     “This is such an honor, and it goes back to my grandfather. He instilled in all of us the values of hard work, dedication, and humility. We appreciate Southern Living selecting us. We have been mentioned by them 3 times as a place for good food in Florida.”

      Big John’s creates authentic southern BBQ with delicious traditional sides, collard greens, mac and cheese, potato salad, and baked beans, They offer BBQ sandwiches, platters, and entrees. Big John’s also offers catering.

       The story of the restaurant shows one man’s determination to bringing God and entrepreneurship to Tampa. In 1968 the late Rev. John A. “Big John” Stephens opened Big John’s Alabama Barbeque in East Tampa, Florida on 40th Street North. “Big John” migrated from Eufaula, Alabama to Tampa with his family. He ran the restaurant until he passed away in 1994. The family still runs the restaurant, now located at 5707 N 40th St.

       Big John’s Alabama BBQ is open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and is closed each Sunday. The phone number is 813-623-3900.