Mainstreet Daily News
Mainstreet Daily News, in a collaboration with Noel Leroux, founder of Gainesville Downtown, is spotlighting downtown businesses to learn how each one is coping with the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation.Â
 After being closed for three weeks, MOJO Hogtown Bar-B-Que and Whiskey Bar is open again, serving the finest barbecue found in and around downtown Gainesville. The restaurant at 12 SE 2nd Ave. reopened on April 16th after securing a small-business loan to cover payroll and other expenses. It took MOJO Hogtown’s staff a few days to restock the kitchen and prepare its signature smoked meats before serving its first takeout and delivery customers.
“Everyone’s been very understanding, and we’re happy to be back at work,” said Lace Chiong, front-of-the-house manager.
MOJO Hogtown Bar-B-Que is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week. Customers can place pickup orders online at mojobbq.com or choose delivery through doordash.com. Also, orders can be placed in person at the entrance to the restaurant.
The limited menu includes appetizers such as Kansas City Burnt Ends and Smoked Chicken Wings; Jumbo Sandwiches, including Pulled Pork and Chopped Brisket; BBQ entrees; salads; side dishes and beverages. According to Chiong, MOJO Hogtown Bar-B-Que will expand to its full menu beginning Monday (with the exception of Mahi and Disco Fries).
There’s also alcohol on the takeout menu, including $5 domestic drafts and $7 craft drafts as well as $10 wine and single-liquor mixed drinks. In addition to signature cocktails, the restaurant is selling sangria for $35 a half-gallon and $70 a gallon.
“We’re getting a lot of the regulars coming in and supporting us,” Chiong said. “We can’t wait until things get back to normal. Until then, we want everyone to stay safe.”
This is the latest article featuring a downtown business still in operation during the coronavirus scare. We encourage you to support locally owned businesses while following CDC guidelines for social distancing. Please share this post with your Facebook friends. If you have a suggestion for an article, please send an email to gainesvilledowntown@yahoo.com.
Noel Leroux is the publisher of gainesvilledowntown.com, a website dedicated to covering all things downtown. His mission is to inform, entertain and engage readers with compelling articles about arts, entertainment, and the foodie scene in Gainesville.