Back Beach Barbecue opens mid-June

PANAMA CITY BEACH – Danny and Monica Cosenzi, owners of Restaurant Paradis in Rosemary Beach, have announced their newest venture: Back Beach Barbecue, opening mid-June in Panama City Beach.

“Given our passion for the history and legendary style of traditional smoked barbecue, the opening of Back Beach Barbecue fulfills a six-year dream of ours,” said the Cosenzis. “Also, the restaurant gives us the opportunity to create memories, not only for our family, but for all of our friends and families throughout the community.”

Located in the space formerly occupied by Coram’s at 19714 Panama City Beach Parkway (aka Back Beach Road), Back Beach Barbecue will craft barbecue the old-fashioned way using stick-burning smokers. 

With Chef/Partner Mark Eichin and Pitmaster Chris Mack at the helm, meats — brisket, pork, chicken, sausage, turkey and ribs — will be slow smoked all day over locally sourced oak wood on two Lang reverse flow smokers in front of the restaurant. Rubbed with a simple blend of dry spices, meats can be topped with a choice of four house-made sauces: House, Spicy Three Pepper, Carolina Mustard and an Alabama White Sauce made with Grayton Beer Co.’s Beach Permit Blonde Ale.

Back Beach Barbecue’s menu also pays tribute to the classic with six sides: potato salad, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, pinto beans, brisket Brunswick stew and collards. Homemade desserts, wine and beer options, and classic sodas, such as Topo Chico and Grapico, round out the menu.

Diners will order from a chalkboard menu at the counter, and watch the slicer hand cut their selected meats to order. Adding to the down-home feel, guests will receive their choices atop butcher paper that is placed on an old-school-style cafeteria tray.

The existing building is currently undergoing a complete overhaul with Hall Southern Construction, Luanne Kelly Interiors, and Cottage Collages. Two garage doors will give guests open air dining and access to gathering points — wood-fired pits, an outdoor covered patio, and an open patio — in the laid-back atmosphere.

Business partners Kevin and Susan Engle said, “Danny and Monica have endeared themselves to the community since relocating their family here to operate Restaurant Paradis several years ago. We are excited to see them express their versatility and vision with this new, casual concept that is soon to become a local, iconic favorite.”

Additionally, the restaurant will offer catering for private or corporate events, a fully equipped food truck, and delivery service to offer all the sights and smells that Back Beach Barbecue has to offer.