Hog Jam

Joe Horton has been cooking barbecue his whole life. Growing up in Chickasha, his father coached him and his brother in the art.

Somewhere in the back of his mind there has always been an idea of cooking for the public. “Me and my wife (Melody) had been talking about it for a long time but we didn’t want to give up the steady money,” he said. Horton has had a successful welding career, mostly in the oil and gas industry.

When that industry took a downturn and the Covid-19 pandemic was closing or curtailing other businesses, the Hortons took that as a sign that the time was right to make a change. They bought a used food

They bought a used food truck in sad shape. Joe parked it in an empty lot next door to the shop he and Melody run on Main Street, Grace CBD Dispensary, and gutted it. Then he rebuilt the trailer from the studs up and added pellet smokers on a small enclosed porch on the back of the trailer.

“I basically started over,” Horton said, pointing out the shiny new stainless interior. He did all the work himself except the decal adorning the side. The trailer passed inspection on the first go and Horton started cooking May 28. Everyday has been a sell out

Everyday has been a sell out thus far, he said. The trailer is closed on Wednesday to allow time to restock the paper goods and such. All the meat and vegetables are purchased fresh daily in Watonga. He cooks more every day and will until he hits the perfect balance between supply and demand.

So why did Joe Horton decide to open a barbecue trailer in Watonga? “We needed more food in

“We needed more food in Watonga,” he said. “What we have is good, but we needed variety. I believe there is nothing but growth here. With Covid and what we’ve seen, I think families are going back to small towns,” he said. “It will grow if they will allow growth and work toward it. And the people here are great.” But don’t expect to find a

But don’t expect to find a prime rib sandwich at the Hideaway Barbecue.

“I’m a pig cook. Pig’s my thing. Butts and tenderloin fit my flavor profile,” he said. And although there isn’t room for a huge smoker on the trailer, Horton intends to add ribs and beans during the summer.

Traditional sides are available. The slaw and other trimmings served with the juicy pork are all from family recipes. The sauce is Head Country brand, served on the side.

He is putting in tables for outdoor seating under a shade structure. Twinkle lights will add fun and a windmill he built himself using his welding skills offers a nod to his Oklahoma heritage.

The night before graduation at Watonga High School, the Hideaway Barbecue trailer offered a free sandwich and drink meal to the senior class of 2020 during the downtown cruise held in the students’ honor.

“It was to say congrats from us, and to help out the community,” he said. “This was something I could do for the seniors. They got the short end of the stick. It was a rough year to be a senior,” he said.

Then Joe Horton readjusted his overalls and stepped back into the trailer, moving like someone who loves their work, even though it starts with lighting the smokers about 3 a.m.

Connie Burcham can be reached at Editor@WatongaRepublican.com