Dallas BBQ Secaucus Serves 20,000 Customers First 3 Weeks It's Been Open

SECAUCUS, NJ — Dallas BBQ had a soft opening three weeks ago in Secaucus, and they held their ribbon cutting Thursday.

This is the restaurant that moved into the former Carraba's location (475 Harmon Meadow Boulevard), next to LA Fitness and Outback Steakhouse. The Carraba's moved out years ago and that location has been long vacant.

Up until now, Dallas BBQ only had locations in New York City, where they currently have 12 restaurants. This is their first outpost in New Jersey.

"Opening in Secaucus has exceeded our wildest expectations," said third-generation Dallas BBQ owner Stuart Wetanson, who was on site Thursday for the ribbon cutting. "We've served 20,000 customers in the first three weeks, which even we were not expecting."

"This is the first time we've opened in New Jersey. We chose Secaucus for its density; its central geographic location; its proximity to New York City and closeness to many major highways. Also, the demographics: Secaucus has many former New Yorkers who know us."

Dallas BBQ is considering opening elsewhere in New Jersey, including the Menlo Park mall in Edison, Jersey City and in Hackensack, Wetanson shared. Nothing is confirmed yet; all are being scouted.

"They're all on our radar," said the CEO.

Secaucus will be the start of a "a strong Dallas BBQ presence in New Jersey," said the company in a press release.

Dallas BBQ Secaucus has a full liquor license and serves takeout. All their food is made in-house; they do not relay on commissaries or food prepared elsewhere and brought in.

"All I've heard is that the service is great and the food is great," said Mayor Mike Gonnelli Thursday as he toured the restaurant.

Dallas BBQ was started in 1978 by Wetanson's grandfather, Herb Wetanson, as a tiny rotisserie chicken restaurant in Manhattan. They only started serving barbeque because they needed side dishes to serve with the chicken and well, everyone seems to like barbecue. Wetanson, who lives in Long Island, said is now proud to run the restaurant empire started by his grandfather, then run by his father, Greg, and he is now at the helm.

"We serve wholesome food made from simple ingredients," said Wetanson. "Come in and get to know us."