New BBQ joint opens in Gypsum
The Full Belly BBQ hosting Grand Opening on Saturday
The Full Belly BBQ/Courtesy photo
Ben Shirley has been smoking barbecue meats for years for family and friends to enjoy, but he and his wife, Rachel, decided to mix things up and dive fully into creating The Full Belly BBQ.
“This is our midlife passion,” Rachel Shirley said. “We’ve always had these ideas and then somebody else did them. So we decided now was the time to go for it.”
The Full Belly BBQ had a soft opening for its food truck on April 18 and operating hours are Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Fridays through Sundays from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. or until they sell out.
“This past weekend, we have sold out every single day. On Sunday, we were sold out by 3:30 p.m. and from the first week into the second, we doubled the amount of meat that we smoked,” Shirley said.
This Saturday marks the food truck’s Grand Opening and they are hosting a celebration in conjunction with their neighbors at the 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirits Company Distillery.
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“For the Kentucky Derby Party and Grand Opening Party, we’re going to have food, giveaways and we’ve designed T-shirts,” Shirley said. “We’ll serve up our trifecta, which is basically our tray of meats that has brisket, ribs and pulled pork on it and we have sides that you can choose from if you want to add more.”
Another item up for grabs this weekend is the yet-to-be-named red Solo cup filled with pulled pork, chili con queso, beans, coleslaw and barbecue sauce made with 10th Mountain Bourbon topped off with pickled red onions, jalapeno, candied jalapenos and pickles.
“Just eat it with a spoon,” Shirley said.
There will also be mini red Solo cups filled with pimento cheese and pretzels on top.
“And this weekend we’re going to do cupcakes with green frosting and little horse toppers for the Derby if they show up on time,” Shirley said.
The menu items are on a rotating basis, but some of the basics include the loaded big beans, coleslaw and potato salad. Lately, cheesy potatoes and Granny’s green beans have been in the rotation.
The Shirley’s couldn’t be happier with the location next to 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirits Company.
“We are regulars at 10th Mountain and we like what they are about. We have a military background in our families so it just made sense and it is the right fit,” Shirley said. “Plus, what goes better with whiskey than barbecue?”
The Shirley’s plan is to offer discounts similar to what 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirits Company offers to military members.
“All first responders and military veterans get 10% off and we’re also giving all the truck drivers 5% off. A lot of them will park next to the gas station and along the interstate and that’s where they’ll sleep for the night. So, it’s an easy walk to get barbecue,” Shirley said.
Even though the menu changes, check out the website, for details and learn more about their catering services. You can also follow them on and to stay up to date on offerings.
“We’re excited to bring something different to Gypsum. Come by and see us,” Shirley said.
