Ponderosa BBQ is a popular barbecue restaurant chain with locations across the United States. Known for its buffet-style dining and smoked meats, Ponderosa BBQ has been serving up quintessential American cuisine since 1965. If you’re wondering where your nearest Ponderosa BBQ is located, this comprehensive guide covers all the details on this beloved barbecue establishment.
A Brief History of Ponderosa BBQ
Ponderosa BBQ was founded in Plano, Texas in 1965 by Dan Davis. The first location was inspired by the Western theme of the TV show “Bonanza” andDavis wanted to bring the spirit of the American West to his BBQ joints.
The restaurant started out as a small local chain in Texas but quickly expanded in the 1970s and 1980s across the Southern United States. Ponderosa BBQ became known for its hearty all-you-can-eat buffets, smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork, and chicken, as well as classic sides like baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, and buttered rolls.
Over the decades, Ponderosa BBQ has changed ownership a few times. It was purchased by Metromedia Restaurant Group in the 1980s, then sold to Buffets Inc. in 1997. The chain now operates as a subsidiary of Fat Brands, who acquired it in 2020.
Despite the changes, Ponderosa BBQ has maintained its core focus on mouthwatering barbecue served in a fun, family-friendly environment. Today it continues to be a go-to spot for smoked meats, comforting sides, and its signature chocolate Wonderfall dessert fountain.
Locations Across the United States
Ponderosa BBQ currently has over 170 locations in 18 states across the US. Here is a breakdown of where you can find Ponderosa BBQ restaurants:
Southern United States
The highest concentration of Ponderosa BBQ restaurants is in the Southern US, where barbecue culture is most prevalent. States where you’ll find multiple locations include:
- Texas – As the birthplace of Ponderosa BBQ, Texas unsurprisingly has the most locations. There are Ponderosa BBQs throughout central and eastern Texas in cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, and many smaller towns.
- Oklahoma – Oklahoma has the second highest number of Ponderosa BBQ joints after Texas, with restaurants throughout the state.
- Arkansas – You’ll find Ponderosa BBQ restaurants scattered across Arkansas, especially in cities like Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville.
- Louisiana – There are several Ponderosa BBQs around Louisiana, mainly in Shreveport, Monroe, and Alexandria.
- Mississippi – Ponderosa BBQ has a presence through southern Mississippi with locations in Jackson, Hattiesburg, and on the Gulf Coast.
- Alabama – Northern Alabama has several Ponderosa BBQ stops including in Huntsville, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa, and Decatur.
- Georgia – Georgia has a few Ponderosa BBQ restaurants primarily in Columbus and Macon.
- Florida – The Florida Ponderosa BBQs are mainly found in the panhandle around Tallahassee and Pensacola.
Midwestern United States
While less plentiful than the south, you can also find Ponderosa BBQ joints scattered around the Midwest:
- Missouri – Missouri has several locations including in St. Louis, Springfield, Joplin, and Jefferson City.
- Kansas – There are a handful of Kansas Ponderosa BBQ restaurants in Wichita, Topeka, Lawrence, and Manhattan.
- Kentucky – A few Ponderosa BBQ spots can be found in Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green.
- Ohio – Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo each have local Ponderosa BBQ joints.
- Indiana – You’ll find Ponderosa BBQ restaurants in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and Terre Haute.
Western United States
In the western half of the US, Ponderosa BBQ locations are most common in:
- Nevada – The Las Vegas area has several Ponderosa BBQ options. Reno also has a few locations.
- Utah – There are Ponderosa BBQ restaurants scattered around Salt Lake City and Provo.
- Colorado – Colorado has Ponderosa BBQ joints in Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Grand Junction.
- New Mexico – Albuquerque and Santa Fe each have local Ponderosa BBQ spots.
Other States
A few additional states with Ponderosa BBQ locations include:
- South Carolina – Columbia and Charleston both have Ponderosa BBQs.
- North Carolina – You can find individual Ponderosa BBQ restaurants in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro.
- Arizona – Tucson and Yuma have their own Ponderosa BBQ outlets.
- California – Bakersfield and Barstow are home to California’s Ponderosa BBQ locations.
So in summary, while predominantly in the south-central US, Ponderosa BBQ has regional locations stretching from coast to coast!
Finding a Ponderosa BBQ Near You
Wondering if there’s a Ponderosa BBQ nearby but not sure exactly where? Here are some tips for finding your closest location:
Check the Official Ponderosa BBQ Website
The easiest way to find a Ponderosa BBQ is to use the locator tool on their website. Go to www.ponderosabbq.com and click “Locations” on the top menu bar.
Enter your city and state or zip code in the store locator box. It will pull up a list of Ponderosa BBQ restaurants in your area ordered by proximity. This is the quickest way to find directions and contact info for your nearest location.
Search on Maps and GPS
Another handy option is looking up “Ponderosa BBQ near me” on Google Maps, Apple Maps, or your preferred navigation app. Use your current location or type in a specific city to scout Ponderosa BBQ spots in the vicinity.
Mapping apps are great for seeing exactly how far away a Ponderosa is and getting real-time directions. Plus you can call or get driving directions right from the app.
Check Delivery App Directories
If Ponderosa BBQ offers delivery or takeout near you, they will likely be listed on popular food delivery apps. Open Uber Eats, DoorDash, GrubHub, Postmates or your local delivery app and search for “Ponderosa BBQ”.
Matching restaurants will show the distance and estimated delivery time so you can conveniently order BBQ to your door. Some Ponderosa locations also let you preorder takeout online.
Call Your Local Restaurants
Your closest Ponderosa BBQ might not be in the immediate vicinity. If you still want to track one down nearby, try calling other Ponderosa BBQ locations in your state and ask which is the nearest.
The staff will likely know the key cities where their restaurants are concentrated and can point you in the right direction. This works well for finding a Ponderosa BBQ within a reasonable driving distance.
Check Social Media
Most individual Ponderosa BBQ locations have their own social media pages, like Facebook and Instagram. Look up “Ponderosa BBQ [Your City]” to see if any local profiles show up with an address, contact info, and location directions.
Following your nearby restaurant can also help you keep tabs on specials and menu items so you’re looped in as a regular!
Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting
Once you’ve found your ideal Ponderosa BBQ spot, here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:
- Ponderosa serves all day, but lunch (11am to 2pm) and dinner (5pm to 8:30pm) hours are typically the busiest. Stop by in the afternoon or late evening for a more relaxed dining experience.
- Kids eat for discount prices on select days – check with your location for details on kids eat free/discount days and hours.
- Speaking of discounts, joining the Ponderosa BBQ Bonus Club gets you special offers and a $5 reward for your birthday.
- Ponderosa BBQ operates on a first come, first served basis for seating. Expect potential waits during peak times, especially on weekends.
- Fill up at the buffet! Ponderosa is known for all-you-can-eat deals so come hungry and get your money’s worth.
- Ask about the daily specials and meat cutting schedule. Come on days they carve your favorite brisket, ribs, or poultry.
- Leave room for dessert! You can’t miss Ponderosa’s iconic chocolate waterfall.
No matter which Ponderosa BBQ location you visit, you’re sure to enjoy generous portions, warm hospitality, and finger-lickin’ barbecue flavor! Finding your nearest spot is a breeze with this handy guide. Now get ready to dig into tender smoked meats, hearty sides, and mouthwatering desserts at a Ponderosa BBQ near you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ponderosa BBQ Locations
1. How many Ponderosa BBQ locations are there?
Currently there are over 170 Ponderosa BBQ restaurants located across 18 different states in America. Texas has the most locations, followed by Oklahoma, Arkansas, and other southern states.
2. What states have Ponderosa BBQ restaurants?
The states with operating Ponderosa BBQs include Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, South Carolina, North Carolina, Arizona, and California.
3. Does Ponderosa BBQ have restaurants internationally?
No, as of now Ponderosa BBQ does not have any international or overseas locations. All their restaurants are within the United States.
4. How can I find the nearest Ponderosa BBQ location?
The easiest ways to find your closest Ponderosa BBQ are using the locator tool on their website, searching “Ponderosa BBQ near me” on maps/GPS apps, checking delivery apps if available in your area, or calling local restaurants for the nearest one.
5. How do I contact a local Ponderosa BBQ?
Every Ponderosa BBQ location has its own contact information like phone number, email, and address. You can find this info on their website locator, delivery app listings, social media pages, or third party business directories.
6. Does Ponderosa BBQ offer delivery or takeout?
Some Ponderosa BBQ locations offer takeout and delivery through third party apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or GrubHub. Availability varies by location, so check your nearest restaurant directly to see if these options are supported.
7. When are Ponderosa BBQ busiest times?
As a family-friendly chain, Ponderosa BBQ is generally busiest during the typical mealtimes of lunch (11am-2pm) and dinner (5pm-8:30pm), as well as on weekends when families dine out most. Visiting between meals and on weekdays will likely be less crowded.
8. What are Ponderosa BBQ’s signature menu items?
Ponderosa BBQ is renowned for its all-you-can-eat buffet featuring smoked brisket, pulled pork, chicken, sausages, ribs, plus sides like mac and cheese, corn, beans, rolls, and an ice cream sundae bar.
9. Do kids eat free at Ponderosa BBQ?
Kids 3 and under eat free everyday at Ponderosa BBQ. Older kids can get discounts on certain days and times – check with your location for details on kids eat free/discount promos.
10. How can I get deals and discounts at Ponderosa BBQ?
Joining the Ponderosa BBQ Bonus Club gets you special offers like birthday rewards and limited time promotions. Following their social media can provide access to seasonal coupons and discounts too.
Final Thoughts
With its roots in Texas, Ponderosa BBQ offers a taste of quintessential American barbecue nationwide. Spotting this beloved buffet-style smokehouse in your area is easy with this guide! Looking for tender smoked meat, comfort sides, and chocolate waterfall magic? Now you know exactly where to indulge in Ponderosa BBQ’s hearty offerings near you.