If barbecue’s what you’re after, Round 2 is the place you want to be.
The Crosstown restaurant is the second generation of barbecue restaurants owned by “Big Dave” Mize.
He operated Post Office BBQ for many years on Tipton Road in the old Atoka Post Office building before it moved to Hwy. 51 about a decade ago then closed in 2013.
“One day I was up at Sparky’s (BBQ) getting ice and asked Brett Pickard how the barbecue business was going. He told me he needed me in there,” Mize said.
His family supported the idea and he jumped back into things. Round 2 BBQ opened two years ago in the former Sparky’s building at the corner of Atoka-Munford Avenue and Hwy. 51.
“It’s been a blessing,” he said. “It was the best move I could have made. I’m able to get out and see a lot of people I hadn’t seen in a long time. Some of my old customers have come in and said they’re glad I’m back because they missed me. It makes you feel good.”
Round 2 offers the traditional barbecue fare, from juicy pulled pork with coleslaw and sides like baked beans, fries and macaroni and cheese to burgers and ribs.
“Our cheeseburgers are a really big hit. We sell almost as many of those as we do barbecue.”
They also have a Luke Special – which is french fries, baked beans, cheese and sour cream – and loaded baked potatoes.
“We sell a lot of them. We also do one where we throw chicken on the grill and put it on a baked potato with sour cream, cheese and bacon bits. That sucker’s awesome!”
Being in a service-based industry over the last year and a half has been difficult, first with COVID-19 regulations and then with the rising costs of doing business in the last few months. Mize said it’s tough, but he still enjoys it and is grateful for all of the support shown to his restaurant.
“We’re just good ol’ country folks trying to make a living. We appreciate you coming down and trying us out. Most people leave here fat and happy!”
Round 2 BBQ is located at 35 Atoka-Munford Avenue – it’s painted a bright red and is next to Sparky’s Exxon. For more information and to see their menu, check their Facebook page or call 901-840-PORK (7675).
Editor’s note: This is the first in a month-long series of stories about local eateries. We’ll be sharing the Taste of Tipton all July long.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
