Southern Luv BBQ Celebrates Grand Opening in Davie, Florida on October 16

Husband-and-wife owners Nick and Bri Dunkelbarger bring award-winning, pecan-smoked barbecue to Broward County as the brand expands franchise opportunities across Florida and the Southeast

DAVIE, FL // FranchisePressReleases.com // Sept. 30, 2026 — Southern Luv BBQ, the Tampa-born barbecue concept known for its award-winning Cuban sandwich and scratch-made sauces, will celebrate the grand opening of Southern Luv BBQ Davie on Friday, October 16 at 6819 Stirling Road, Davie, FL 33314, in The Shops at Stirling Place. The restaurant is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Nick and Bri Dunkelbarger, who combine decades of hospitality experience and operational expertise.

The restaurant’s design pays homage to the Davie Rodeo and the town’s western heritage. Like every Southern Luv location, it has a community-driven look and feel meant to make every guest feel at home.

“Southern Luv has always been about more than barbecue,” said Founder and Pitmaster Chef Essi Tadrus. “It’s about faith, hospitality, and heart, and it all starts with community. Every location has to feel like it belongs to the neighborhood it serves, and Nick and Bri get that. They’re the kind of people who treat every guest like family, and Davie is going to feel that from the first plate. We’re honored to have them carrying the Southern Luv name into Broward County.”

Nick and Bri say they are thrilled to join the Davie community. “We are so excited to bring Southern Luv BBQ to Davie and be part of this community,” said Nick and Bri Dunkelbarger, owners of Southern Luv BBQ Davie. “This town has such a proud, welcoming spirit, and we wanted to build a restaurant that honors it, from the rodeo-inspired design to every plate we serve. We can’t wait to welcome our neighbors, share great barbecue, and make Southern Luv feel like home for everyone who walks through the door.”

Pecan-Smoked Favorites, Plus Davie Exclusives

Southern Luv BBQ Davie serves the brand’s signature pecan-smoked menu, including:

• Sandwiches: the Cuban, which earned 2nd place at the International Cuban Sandwich Festival in Tampa, along with the Alabama Slamma and the brisket-topped Hot Texan
• Mac bowls: including the best-selling Notorious P.I.G., made with scratch-made mac and cheese
• Ribs and platters: St. Louis ribs, smoked daily until they sell out, and multi-meat platters with two sides
• Davie-only additions: flatbreads, scratch-made desserts such as banana pudding and chocolate pecan pie, and a Lil Luv kids meal

The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering for groups of 10 to more than 1,000 guests.

Grand Opening Details

• Date: Friday, October 16
• Location: 6819 Stirling Road, Davie, FL 33314
• Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Phone: (954) 685-8081
• Website: southernluvbbq.com/locations/davie

Franchise Opportunities Available in Florida and the Southeast

Southern Luv BBQ is also announcing the availability of franchise opportunities throughout Florida and the Southeast. Entrepreneurs who share the brand’s commitment to faith, hospitality, and heart can click here to learn more.

About Southern Luv BBQ

Southern Luv BBQ was founded by Chef Essi Tadrus, whose love of barbecue began with his first plate of ribs at age five at a gas station in Fort Hood, Texas. He opened his first restaurant at 19 and later brought the concept home to Tampa. The brand is built on faith, hospitality, and heart. After Hurricane Milton knocked out power, the Tampa restaurant fired up its pit and handed out free pulled pork and mac and cheese to neighbors in need.