Union Market has been devoid of barbecue since The BBQ Joint closed up shop. Call Sloppy Mama’s the hero, because they’re taking over the stall within the next couple of weeks. Washingtonians know the smoke sultans from their work behind the wheel of their Sloppy Mama’s food truck, plus the barbecue they serve at Solly’s on U Street NW.

Expect the Union Market menu to feature sandwiches and barbecue platters that let customers choose between meats like brisket, pulled pork, and ribs and an array of sides like baked beans, cole slaw, potato salad, and pickles. Owner Joe Neuman says the opening will push them over a volume threshold that will lead to improved quality.

“Now that we have this extra outlet, we will smoke through the night [at Mess Hall] and deliver to various locations every morning,” Neuman says. Before, they had to stretch food out over a couple of days. “We’ve also hit a volume threshold, so we’re better able to negotiate. We can now switch to prime brisket and local pork, which will make a huge difference.”

He’s having conversations with local pig farmers but has already committed to sourcing beef from Creekstone Farms.

The Union Market stall will also have a grocery component where shoppers can pick up pimento cheese, sauces, pickles, quarts of meat to take home, and more. For drinks they’ll serve locally made Runningbyrd Tea and later, local beer and canned wine.

Sloppy Mama’s at Union Market will start by operating from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. but there’s a chance they could open earlier for breakfast in the future. Stay tuned for an official opening date. 

Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE; unionmarketdc.com