Ronnie Evans Jr. & Philip Moseley
Owners, Blue Oak BBQ
Ronnie Evans Jr. and Philip Moseley met on the playground at Holy Name of Jesus School in Uptown. Although they went to different high schools and universities, over the years the grammar school friends kept their dream of one day opening their own restaurant.
Following their dream led them to live with their parents after college, sleeping in their cars to balance getting up at daybreak to cook for their catering business and first commercial location in Grit’s, a late night bar with a primetime from midnight to sunrise.
A year later they moved to Canal Street music club Chickie Wah Wah. Nights in the city’s hot spots helped the pair test recipes and techniques as they prepared to open their own place.
“It was our test kitchen as we prepared for the big show,” Moseley said. “We got better and improved, took R&D trips to Texas and the Carolinas.”
On April 22, 2016, the pair finally achieved their dream of opening their own restaurant at 900 North Carrollton Ave. — Blue Oak BBQ.
This past April, Blue Oak BBQ took home Hogs for the Cause’s coveted Ben Sarrat, Jr. Grand Champion Title.
“We thought we knew what we were doing; in hindsight we had no clue what we were doing,” said Moseley of the duo’s launch. “We didn’t have a clear plan on paper, but everything has fallen into place. It’s kind of unbelievable how it all worked out and how quickly it’s happened.”
After jumping around the city for a while, Moseley said he and Evans finally feel settled in the Parkview neighborhood.
“It’s been a lifelong goal for us,” he said. “When I walk in every day, it’s very surreal, weird that everything is Ronnie’s and mine.”
