Story by HaLeigh Abbott
Photos by: Jim Coarse, Moonloop Photography

In the heart of Oxford at the old Varsity Grill location, a mouthwatering aroma wafts through the air. Follow your nose, and you'll likely find yourself at the doorstep of PA BBQ Boys, a local sensation that's been setting taste buds ablaze with their authentic Southern-style barbecue. Founded by pitmaster Matt Harper, this homegrown enterprise has quickly become a staple in the local food scene, drawing BBQ enthusiasts from far and wide.

The Man Behind the Smoke

Matt Harper's journey into the world of barbecue wasn't a straight path. "I actually started as a home brewer," Harper reveals with a chuckle. "But I found myself constantly cooking for friends and family during our brew days. That's when I realized my true passion was for food, especially barbecue."

This epiphany led Harper down a smoky trail of discovery. He immersed himself in the art of barbecue, studying different regional styles, experimenting with rubs and sauces, and perfecting his smoking techniques. "It was a lot of trial and error," he admits. "I probably served some pretty questionable meals to my poor family in those early days. But their support and honest feedback were crucial in helping me refine my craft."

From Backyard to Business

As Harper's skills improved, word spread about his lip-smacking creations. Soon, friends of friends were asking him to cater events, and before he knew it, he was cooking for local festivals and community gatherings in Oxford and surrounding areas. "It was a bit overwhelming at first," Harper recalls. "I went from cooking for a few dozen people to suddenly catering events for hundreds. But the joy on people's faces when they tasted my food... that made all the hard work worth it."

Encouraged by the positive response and growing demand, Harper took the plunge and officially launched PA BBQ Boys in 2018. "It was scary," he admits. "Leaving a stable job to pursue your passion always is. But I believed in the quality of our food and the growing BBQ culture in Southern Chester County."

A Menu That Speaks Volumes

PA BBQ Boys' menu is a testament to Harper's dedication to his craft. From fall-off-the-bone ribs to juicy pulled pork and smoky chicken, each item is prepared with meticulous care and attention to detail. "We source all our meats locally," Harper proudly states. "Supporting local farmers in Southern Chester County isn't just good for the community; it also ensures we're working with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients."

But it's not just about the meat. Harper's sides have gained a following of their own, particularly his smoked mac and cheese. "People go crazy for our mac and cheese," he says with a grin. "I think it's because we smoke it alongside the meats, so it picks up all those beautiful flavors."

The BBQ Boys' homemade sauces are another point of pride. Offering a range of flavors from sweet and tangy to fiery hot, there's something to suit every palate. "We encourage customers to try all our sauces," Harper explains. "BBQ is a personal experience, and everyone has their own preference. We want people to find their perfect match."

A Community Favorite

Since its inception, PA BBQ Boys has quickly become a beloved fixture in the Oxford community. Their presence at events and festivals is eagerly anticipated, and their catering services are in high demand for everything from weddings to corporate functions throughout Southern Chester County.

Customer reviews sing praises of both the food and the service. Mike Trainor, a regular customer, raves, "Many times I've had the pork and chicken. It's constantly tasty. Ask for the excellent BBQ sauces."

Kathleen Tedesco appreciates not just the food but also the company's commitment to local sourcing: "Wonderful food, great customer service and such a great local BBQ company using locally sourced meats from local farms. Check them out at their local events and for any catering needs."

The quality of the barbecue speaks for itself. Emily Armour enthusiastically shares, "The ribs fell right off the bone, the pulled pork had the perfect smoke flavor, and the Mac and Cheese was INCREDIBLE! Also on top of all this delicious food the staff were amazing and so nice! I will definitely be back!"

Challenges and Triumphs

Running a successful BBQ business in Southern Chester County isn't without its challenges. "One of the biggest hurdles we face is the unpredictability of outdoor events," Harper explains. "Weather can make or break a day's sales. We've had to learn to be flexible and always have a backup plan."

Another challenge is maintaining consistency while scaling up operations. "When you're cooking such large quantities, it's crucial to ensure every piece of meat is as perfectly cooked as the last," Harper notes. "It took a lot of practice and some specialized equipment to get it right."

Looking to the Future

As PA BBQ Boys looks ahead, Harper remains committed to the principles that have brought them success: quality ingredients, time-honored techniques, and a passion for great food. "We're always experimenting with new flavors and menu items," Harper reveals. "But we'll never compromise on the quality and authenticity of our barbecue."

The company is also looking at ways to give back to the community that has supported them. "We're exploring partnerships with local charities in Oxford and considering starting a mentorship program for aspiring young chefs," Harper shares. "It's important to us that we're not just a business, but a positive force in our community."

A Taste of the South in Southern Chester County

In a relatively short time, PA BBQ Boys has managed to carve out a unique niche in Southern Chester County's culinary landscape. By bringing authentic Southern-style barbecue to the area, they've not only satisfied cravings but also introduced many to the rich, smoky flavors of true barbecue.

As Joe Paparo, another satisfied customer, puts it, "Mr. Harper certainly knows how to smoke some meat. We got the spare ribs, bbq chicken and pulled pork meals with coleslaw and smoked mac & cheese. Chicken was juicy and flavorful and the spare ribs were fall off the bone tender. Will definitely grab bbq from him again! Thanks Matt!"

For Matt Harper and the PA BBQ Boys, this is just the beginning. With each rack of ribs and each pulled pork sandwich, they're not just serving food – they're sharing their passion, one smoky, delicious bite at a time. So the next time you catch a whiff of that irresistible barbecue aroma, follow your nose. You'll find yourself at PA BBQ Boys, ready to embark on a culinary journey.