Barnegat Restaurant Creates Big Stuffed Fried Pickle

BARNEGAT, NJ — Big Barlow's BBQ will celebrate its one-year anniversary Saturday. Some customers will celebrate by trying one of Chris Barlow's newest creations.

Barlow gave a new meaning to the fried pickle, creating a dish that will be available through Saturday. The founder developed the idea at a meeting with a friend.

"We have these big pickles," Barlow said, "and I was looking at it and thought, ‘That would be great if I could stuff it with pulled pork and Alabama white.’ Then I decided to fry it and throw some craft beer cheese on top, and it worked."

The history of fried pickles — at least their popular history — goes back to the 1960s. Bernell "Susie Sullins" Austin popularized them in 1963 in Atkins, Arkansas. Only he and his family knew the recipe, which they presented once a year at the city's Picklefest.

Typically, they're presented as pickle chips. But Big Barlow's BBQ & Catering introduced its own fried pickle Thursday on its Facebook page. And since then, it's been in demand.

"Everyone’s going pretty nuts about it," Barlow said. "People are coming in today for it. People were coming in yesterday asking for it. They’re calling."

Barlow plans to keep it on the menu through Saturday's anniversary celebration and then bring it back sometimes if it's a big hit.

The restaurant made major strides in the past year. Barlow conceptualized in October, 2018. Big Barlow's started as a food truck at Manafirkin Brewing Company. Then Barlow opened a brick-and-mortar store a few months ago at 21 S Main St.

Read more: Big Barlow's BBQ Brings Big Flavor To Barnegat

As part of Saturday's anniversary, Big Barlow's will hold specials and sell all hoodies at 15 percent off. The celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

"It’s been pretty crazy," Barlow said. "I still look back and say, ‘I can’t believe all that’s happened in a year.’"

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