Pitmaster Rozchea Butler is truly one-of-a-kind. When you bite into your next buttery beef rib at Whole Hog Cafe in North Little Rock, he’s the guy to thank. For that matter, when you dig into your share of the 3 ½ tons of meat per week for which he oversees the preparation and cooking – whether it’s Pulled Pork, Chicken, Ribs, Sausage, Brisket or Pork Loin – you can thank Rozchea.
Three months ago, Ro decided he wanted to try his hand at Beef Ribs. He started with Pitmaster supreme Aaron Franklin’s recipe (good call!). After six test-cooks and some tweaking he was finally satisfied with the outcome. Now, we sell out every Tuesday, the only day they’re available. These babies are Fred-Flinstone-size, roughly a pound to a pound and a half, and, well, phenomenal.
But wait, that’s not all: Rozchea has other interests as well. A former professional wrestler, he is a gifted freestyle rapper, poet and singer. Laid-back, genial and reticent by nature, his eyes light up with passion when he delivers his lines, holding forth on social issues and busting cultural memes.
Ask for him next time you come in. He’ll be glad to talk barbecue, or anything else for that matter.
By Rich Cosgrove, Owner of Whole Hog Cafe North Little Rock
Whole Hog Cafe North Little Rock is located at 5107 Warden Road in North Little Rock and is open Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Call (501) 753-9227, visit their website and follow them on Facebook.
North Little Rock Restaurant Month