For 40 years, Full Moon BBQ has remained a familiar name across Alabama, known for its slow-smoked barbecue, Southern hospitality, and deeply loyal customer base. What began as a single Southside restaurant in 1986 has grown into a regional staple with 15 locations, all while holding tightly to the traditions that shaped it from the beginning.
That commitment to consistency extends far beyond the barbecue itself. Over the years, Full Moon’s signature sauces and chow chow have become central to the brand’s identity, earning national recognition and a devoted following of their own. At the same time, the company has continued investing in the communities that helped build it, launching initiatives like “40 Meals for 40 Years” to mark its milestone anniversary through service.
In this Q&A, brothers David and Joe Maluff reflect on the evolution of the business, the staying power of Southern food traditions, and what it means to steward a family-run Alabama institution four decades later.
What was the original vision for Full Moon, and how has that held up (or evolved) over the past 40 years?
David and Joe Maluff (Full Moon BBQ/Contributed)…