Award-Winning Culinary Duo opens Holy City Zoo BBQ in Longwood

Slow-smoked classics meet a cicerone-curated beer list at the veteran-owned, rock-and-roll-themed restaurant redefining local barbecue.

After 15 years of building a nationally recognized barbecue reputation in the Midwest, culinary duo Greg and Kristina Gaardbo have opened Holy City Zoo BBQ at 190 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd.

The opening unveils a 5,000 sq. ft. woman- andveteran-owned restaurant where traditional American barbecue, internationally inspired menu creations and rock-and-roll energy take center stage. Rooted in over a decade of award-winning barbecue and a dedicated Chicago following, Holy City Zoo BBQ carries that legacy into the Greater Orlando dining scene.

Holy City Zoo BBQ’s menu is rooted in traditional American barbecue staples, crafted with purposeful, meat-specific spice blends and cooked low and slow over cherry wood for deep, developed flavor. The philosophy is straightforward: let the meat be the star. Complementing the classics are rotating specials and globally inspired sides, with offerings like patatas bravas and Mexican street corn reflecting the founders’ world travels. The dining experience blends a high-energy, rock-and-roll–inspired atmosphere with 80s nostalgia, making it a go-to spot for families, foodies and friend groups alike.

The restaurant also features a dynamic beer list that elevates the beverage program beyond the expected, offering intentional pairings for the menu. Founder Kristina Gaardbo, a Certified Cicerone, brings formal brewing education and deep knowledge of global beer styles to a selection designed to complement smoked meats, showcasing respected local craft breweries alongside unique international imports.

“Anyone can smoke meat, but good barbecue is never rushed,” said Co-Owner Kristina Gaardbo. “We hold our beer program to that same standard, selecting styles that don’t just sit next to the food but elevate every bite.”

The opening of Holy City Zoo BBQ marks the next chapter in a culinary journey shaped by years of growing demand. What started as backyard cookouts for friends evolved into a catering business called Rockin’ Rodizio. Eager to share their passion for Texas barbecue and craft beer, Greg and Kristina expanded into BBQ and beer-pairing cooking classes, which steadily grew their following. By 2016, fueled by overwhelming community support, the Gaardbos opened Chicago Culinary Kitchen as an event space, and its rapid success soon propelled it into a full-service restaurant, cementing their reputation for no-shortcuts barbecue. Chicago Culinary Kitchen was sold to different ownership in Feb. 2025.

Holy City Zoo BBQ carries that same no-shortcuts approach to barbecue forward while introducing a broader culinary experience shaped by years of global travel.“Our mission is to serve the best barbecue and beer we can while creating a unique dining experience shaped by our travels and a love of bringing people together”, said Co-Owner Greg Gaardbo. “We want to take our guests on a culinary journey without making them feel like they’ve been taken for a ride.”

Greg, a Marine veteran and lifelong entrepreneur, and Kristina, a former registered nurse turned Certified Cicerone, built their reputation on patience, precision and respect for the craft of barbecue. Their previous concepts earned honors, including Best BBQ in Illinois by Money Magazine and a People’s Choice Award at Windy City Smokeout. The pair also appeared on the Cooking Channel’s “Man Fire Food” and “Big Bad BBQ Crawl,” further elevating their profile within the barbecue community.

In addition to daily service, Holy City Zoo BBQ will host a rotating lineup of immersive dining events and hands-on culinary experiences throughout the year. Guests can expect themed pairing dinners, globally inspired chef-led nights, interactive cooking classes and specialty smoker workshops that blend education, entertainment and community around great food and drink.

Holy City Zoo BBQ is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. Catering services are available for corporate events, private parties, and special occasions across Central Florida, helping guests party like a rockstar.

To learn more about Holy City Zoo BBQ, visit holycityzoobbq.com.

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