[Editor’s note: this article contains photos with comped food from a soft opening event.]
Bubba-Que Smokehouse BBQ and Tex-Mex Catering will open its first brick-and-mortar restaurant on May 2. The longtime local operation will take over a 5,900-square-foot space at 5005 S. Campbell Ave., which previously housed Mandarin Buffet and Hole N 1 Golf Pub. The new restaurant will seat 120 guests and operate daily.
Owner Benjamin Levine will bring more than a decade of experience to the new location. He took over the business in 2020 from original owner Rich Park. He now plans to expand Bubba-Que’s reach beyond catering and mobile service.
From Food Truck Roots to Full-Service Restaurant
Originally, Bubba-Que began in 2010 under Park before Levine acquired it. Levine built his background in Tucson, where he graduated from Catalina High Magnet. He later worked at Boston Market and in auto sales before launching his own kettle corn business in 2015.
Eventually, Levine transitioned into barbecue, teaching himself the craft.
“My love for smoking BBQ came self-taught,” he said.
Now, the new restaurant marks a major milestone for the brand. Levine said the opportunity allows him to create a more consistent and accessible dining experience.
A Family-Friendly Concept With Entertainment
“The concept came from wanting to give customers a place to get a family experience, as well as a place to watch all of your favorite sports in addition to having live music, karaoke, and bar drinks,” he said.
Bubba-Que will not include a patio at launch, though Levine hopes to add one later. For now, guests can expect an indoor environment focused on comfort and community.
Tex-Mex Meets Slow-Smoked BBQ
The menu will expand beyond Bubba-Que’s catering staples, featuring its signature 12-to-18 hour-smoked brisket and pulled pork, along with burgers, beef Dino Ribs, fried catfish, and shrimp. Side items include collard greens, loaded baked potatoes, beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and more. A kid’s menu is in the works.
Levine emphasized Tucson’s unique culinary landscape as a driving force.
“Tucson has some of the best Mexican food paired with great barbecue for a Tex-Mex style that you can not beat,” he said.
Expanding Access and Affordability
Importantly, the transition to a brick-and-mortar will allow for lower menu prices.
“Being a food truck made prices higher than restaurant prices, but now with the restaurant, we are aiming to create lower prices to allow for this to be a place that you can eat at as often as the drive-thru,” he said.
As a result, Bubba-Que aims to become a regular dining option for south side residents.
Honoring the Bubba-Que Legacy
Levine continues to honor the brand’s origins. The name traces back to Park, who remains involved behind the scenes; the two are good friends.
Today, Park still supports the business and celebrates its first permanent location.
Hours, Location, and What to Expect
The restaurant will open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday hours will extend until midnight for bar service.
Bubba-Que Smokehouse BBQ and Tex-Mex Catering is located at 5005 S. Campbell Ave. Keep up with Bubba-Que Smokehouse BBQ and Tex-Mex Catering on Instagram.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
