Big John's Alabama BBQ

Name: Big John's Alabama BBQ
Address: 5707 N 40th St, Tampa, FL, US
Telephone: (813) 623-3600
Price range: $

East Tampa · Tampa · $

Also listed in: Tampa BBQ Over 50 Tampa

Big John's Alabama BBQ has been on 40th Street North in East Tampa since 1968, when the late Rev. John A. Stephens, known as Big John, opened it after moving to Tampa from Eufaula, Alabama with his family. Its own biography page says he came to the area with goals of being an entrepreneur but most importantly a man of God, and that the Tampa Tribune and other outlets recognised his contributions to the community. The restaurant still cooks on an open pit, a technique it says it has kept for over 40 years, and it took Steve Harvey's Hoodie Award for Best Barbeque Restaurant in 2007. His son Fred Stephens keeps the business going, and his widow Sallie Stephens and their children marked a grand re-opening.

Address: 5707 N 40th St, Tampa, FL
Phone: (813) 623-3600
Cuisine: bbq, southern
Good to know: Black Owned, Group Friendly, Institution, Long Running, Family Owned, Founder Story
Verification: Details researched September 19, 2026. Hours and offerings change, so confirm with the venue before visiting.

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Website checks last run October 11, 2026 against the venue's own site.

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