Tin Top BBQ 2 was founded in 2016 by Mike and Chase Gannon after Mike’s Tin Top BBQ in Calera quickly grew a following. His son, Chase, wanted to get into the restaurant business, so Chase and Mike opened Tin Top BBQ 2 in Columbiana. Mike believes there’s nothing better than going into business with your kids. Here, manager Bailey Lewis offers her thoughts on working at Tin Top BBQ 2 and the dedication the staff has to serving the local community.
When did you start working at Tin Top BBQ 2, and why do you stay?
I started working at Tin Top BBQ 2 roughly seven years ago after moving to Alabama from North Florida. Tin Top truly has become my home away from home. The customers we have are always friendly and welcoming. The Gannons are also the best employers to work for; they treat every employee like family. Mike and Chase are always willing to teach and are constantly looking for ways to improve the business. The work environment at Tin-Top BBQ 2 is phenomenal, from the owners down to our customers.
What are the best meals to try on the menu?
We recommend our pick-three meat plate with your choice of pork, chicken, brisket, smoked sausage, pig wings or ribs, which is served with two of our sides. Our staff favorites are baked beans and potato salad with two pieces of Texas toast. Some of our customer favorites would be our steaks that we serve on Friday and Saturday evenings, which we offer beginning at 5 p.m. In addition, our barbecue nachos are served with your choice of pork, chicken or brisket, on a bed of tortilla chips and are topped with queso cheese, our house-made barbecue sauce and jalapeños. Above all, our best-sellers would be any of our barbecue, of course, but also our fried catfish, too. We take pride in what we serve and serving a quality product that is freshly-made. We believe food made with love tastes the best.
What do your customers love most about Tin Top BBQ 2?
Our customers love that Tin Top has a family-friendly atmosphere. You can always expect a smiling face upon arrival. Our customers love the diversity of our menu, too. There is always something for everyone. We have a wide variety of meals, including smoked meats, fried catfish, chicken tenders, grilled pork chops and burgers.
What has been your favorite memory you made while working here?
Over the past seven years I have worked at Tin Top BBQ 2, my absolute favorite memory would be the first time Mike taught me how to open the restaurant, from teaching me how to load and unload the smoker, to teaching me how to build the perfect fire and light the pit. The care and compassion he puts into teaching and leading his team speaks volumes. I started at Tin Top BBQ 2 as a cashier, and Mike taught me how to take care of our customers, as well as how to serve a quality meal we can be proud of.
What would you like to say to your customers for their years of loyal support to the business?
We cannot thank our customers enough for their loyalty and support through the years. We truly would not be where we are today without them. The referrals and support mean the world to us, and we are forever grateful for our customers and their dedication and trust in our business.
Customers can visit Tin Top BBQ 2 at W, 121 Old Hwy 25 in Columbiana Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and on Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Visit facebook.com/tintopbbq2 for a full menu.
