From Food Truck Success to Cozy Restaurant: The Inspiring Journey of Mama Jo’s Biscuits & BBQ – 303 Magazine

Some restaurants begin with a detailed business plan; others start with a simple dream. For Mama Jo’s Biscuits & BBQ, it all started with a backyard pig roast and a love for Southern comfort food. What began as a popular food truck has now blossomed into a beloved brick-and-mortar spot in Denver, serving homemade biscuits and mouthwatering barbecue.

Located in a cherished neighborhood known for its food, Mama Jo’s has quickly become a favorite for locals looking for flaky biscuits, Carolina barbecue, and crispy fried chicken.

Owners Jodi and Ben Polson poured their hearts into Mama Jo’s, inspired by Jodi’s memorable trip to North Carolina. “We attended a wedding in Raleigh featuring an amazing pig roast,” Jodi shared. “The flavors were unforgettable, and we began recreating those dishes at home.” Those backyard pig roasts evolved into a food truck concept that connected deeply with customers.

Ben’s background in corporate dining gave him a unique perspective. After working on a food truck, he saw potential in the street food scene. “He developed a Southern chicken biscuit sandwich that we named Mama Jo’s—my nickname during pregnancy,” Jodi noted. That idea was the springboard for their food truck.

The food truck quickly grew popular, winning the title of “Best Chicken Biscuit on Wheels” from Westword in both 2024 and 2025. This recognition helped fuel their dream of opening a restaurant in a permanent location.

While enjoying a beer one evening, Jodi and Ben discovered that the spot where Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs used to operate was available. “We adored that place and felt it had great vibes,” Jodi said. Their meeting with the previous owner felt serendipitous, solidifying their decision to move forward.

However, taking over a beloved spot wasn’t easy. Some loyal fans of Steve’s were hesitant about the change, while others embraced the new offerings whole-heartedly. “It was tough to fill those shoes,” Jodi confessed. But the local response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many saying the area needed exactly what Mama Jo’s offers.

At Mama Jo’s, the barbecue draws heavily from Carolina traditions, particularly their famed pulled pork, which is smoked for hours and seasoned with a tangy vinegar sauce. “Our barbecue sauces are a point of pride,” Jodi stated. They feature Carolina Gold and Alabama White sauces, along with a unique Apple BBQ Sauce inspired by a trip to Slow’s BBQ in Detroit.

What truly sets Mama Jo’s apart is Jodi’s expertise in baking, which shines through in their signature biscuits. She spent years perfecting a recipe that results in biscuits that are light, flaky, and flavorful, thanks to a hint of smoked gouda.

Standout menu items include pimento cheese in their Fried Chicken Biscuit Sandwich and Mac ‘N’ Cheese, as well as the Nashville Hot Sandwich. Don’t miss their sweet options like Fried Banana Pudding Pie and Apple Fritters drizzled with butterscotch. Everything is made from scratch, except for the tater tots—a playful choice Jodi makes to keep things manageable.

Currently, the focus is on settling into their space and ensuring everything served is top-notch. Jodi has a gentle reminder for diners: “Brisket is only available on Saturdays, so make sure to come early!”

Looking ahead, Mama Jo’s seems poised for growth, with plans to expand both their menu and influence in the community. “We always aim to draw inspiration from new ideas,” Jodi said. For now, they’re simply excited to keep cooking the food they love, creating a warm spot for Denver’s food lovers to enjoy.

Mama Jo’s Biscuits & BBQ is located at 3525 E Colfax Ave., Denver. Hours are Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Closed Sundays.



Source link