Though the historic Pioneer Camp restaurant in Wellston, Oklahoma, has been closed for more than a decade after a fire, Butcher BBQ Stand set up camp at the property eight years ago and has proven to be phenomenally popular.
The Oklahoman newspaper recently published a feature about Levi Bouska and his establishment at 3402 W. State Highway 66.
The entire article is worth reading, but a few highlights:
— Bouska says his barbecue methods are Oklahoma-based. “Our pork here is a little vinegary, but it’s a little sweet and it’s a little black pepper,” he told the newspaper. “It’s Carolina and Texas and Kansas City. But we don’t sauce anything, so we’re not Kansas City. And we don’t just use salt and pepper, so we’re not just Texas.”
— Humble beginnings. After a divorce, Bouska sketched out his vision for a barbecue restaurant. Butcher BBQ Stand started in 2015 with a converted train car, a smoker, picnic tables. The site now is fully enclosed, with plans to expand later.
— Bouska had a great barbecue reputation before opening the stand. He and his brother Martin won championships in 13 states, captured titles at the Jack Daniel’s World Invitational, nabbed a 2012 World Food champion crown in Las Vegas, and were named reserve grand champion at the prestigious 2018 American Royal in Kansas City,
— Bouska learned his early trade at Pioneer Camp next door. The long-closed restaurant, which opened in the 1920s next to Route 66, was where Bouska cut his teeth after his grandparents bought the eatery in the mid-1990s. Pioneer Camp suffered a fire in 2007 and never reopened. He then worked in a nearby butcher shop. His grandmother later gave him one of five acres at Pioneer Camp to help him set up shop.
— Long lines and loyal customers. People from miles around queue up as early as 9:30 a.m. to ensure they buy smoked meats and sides from Butcher BBQ before the food runs out. It draws Route 66 travelers and loyal customers from as far away as St. Louis.
— A Twinkie is the only dessert offering. This quirk is reminiscent of the small box of Milk Duds given to customers at the landmark Lou Mitchell’s restaurant along Route 66 in Chicago. Bouska said the Twinkie enables him to quickly scan social media feeds and spot photos taken at his restaurant.
Here’s a good video about Butcher BBQ Stand by Okie Foodie King:
(Hat tip to Rhys Martin; images of the Butcher BBQ Stand entrance and interior via Facebook)