SoMa BBQ Change-Up: CatHead's Moves into Big Nate's

A little over a year ago, the team behind Solstice and Fly Bar embarked on a big makeover of SoMa bbq dinosaur Big Nate's. Now they've decided to pass the bbq torch to their former competitors at CatHeads BBQ. Owners Richard Park and Pam Shafer have had a bumpy yet successful first year in business, working in makeshift kitchens as a pop-up restaurant at (now defunct) The Corner and, more recently, Doctor's Lounge. Now that they're moving into two huge built-in smokers and an electric smoker in this new space, the possibilities are much greater. CatHead's has enlisted architects Eric Peterson and Brian Hill—fresh off work on AQ's interior design—to help them remodel the whole building. The exterior is getting several fresh coats of barn-like bright red paint right now. Inside, a Petaluma barn is being repurposed as customized picnic tables, walls and more. Galvanized steel stools, and old family relics from Park's family in Tennessee are currently en route.

As far as the menu goes, look out for the Coca Cola-smoked brisket, Maker's Mark-rubbed pulled pork, and other favorites that have garnered CatHead's solid following. Park adds that they're also catering to vegans and vegetarians more now than ever. "We realized many of our customers cooks are vegetarians, and Rainbow is nearby," says Park. "We took the ham out of our greens, we're finishing up a BBQ bean burger recipe, and we're working to debunk the idea that Southern barbeque has to be unhealthy." CatHead's will officially open near the intersection of Folsom and 12th on January 4th. Visit them Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early reports? Put 'em here or below, in the comments section.

· All Big Nate's Coverage [~ ESF ~]
· All CatHead's BBQ Coverage [~ ESF ~]