Community Highlights: Meet Sarah Petrone of Hogback BBQ & Grill

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Petrone.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hogback BBQ was founded in 2015 by two Littleton natives with a simple goal: serve high quality, authentic barbecue in a welcoming, family friendly environment. What started as a small local restaurant quickly grew into a community staple known for scratch made sides, slow-smoked meats, and a laid back atmosphere where everyone feels at home, including dogs on our patio.

Over the years, we’ve continued to evolve while staying true to those roots. We expanded into catering, weddings, and large events across the Denver metro area, which allowed us to share our food with thousands of people beyond the restaurant. Most recently, we launched a food truck to reach new neighborhoods, HOAs, and festivals, bringing Hogback directly to the community.

Today, Hogback BBQ is still locally owned and deeply community focused. We pride ourselves on consistency, generous portions, and genuine hospitality. Our goal has never been to be trendy, it’s to be dependable, memorable, and a place people return to for celebrations, weeknight dinners, and everything in between.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a restaurant is never easy, and the path hasn’t always been smooth. Rising food costs, staffing shortages, and the demanding nature of the industry require constant problem-solving and resilience.

As we expanded beyond the restaurant into catering, weddings, large events, and a food truck, maintaining that consistency across multiple settings became another major hurdle. We addressed this by investing in our people — focusing on training, building a strong team culture, and supporting employees who share our commitment to quality, reliability, and genuine hospitality. Many of our team members have been with us for years, which has been critical to delivering a reliable experience no matter where we serve.

The pandemic was another defining moment. We had to pivot quickly to takeout and rework operations almost overnight. While difficult, it strengthened our foundation and highlighted the power of community support.

Looking back, those challenges became turning points. They strengthened our team, refined our operations, and positioned us for continued growth while staying true to what matters most: great food, consistency, and genuine quality.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hogback BBQ & Grill?
Hogback BBQ & Grill is known for delivering consistently high quality barbecue with a focus on authenticity, generosity, and genuine hospitality. We specialize in slow smoked meats prepared fresh daily and scratch made sides that reflect traditional barbecue roots while appealing to a wide range of guests. Our portions are intentionally generous, and our menu is designed to be approachable for families, large groups, and events of all sizes.

What truly sets us apart is reliability. Whether someone visits the restaurant, hires us for a wedding, or sees our food truck at a neighborhood event, they can expect the same level of quality, professionalism, and care. We’ve built our reputation on being a dependable choice, not just for great food, but for a smooth, stress-free experience, especially for large gatherings where consistency matters most.

We are also proud of the atmosphere we’ve created. Hogback is designed to be welcoming and unpretentious a place where families, sports teams, coworkers, and friends can gather comfortably. Our dog friendly patio, casual environment, and community involvement reflect that commitment to inclusivity and connection.

Brand-wise, we are most proud of the trust we’ve earned. Many of our customers have been with us for years and continue to choose Hogback for milestones, celebrations, and everyday meals. That loyalty speaks to the relationships we’ve built, not just the food we serve.

Above all, we want readers to know that Hogback BBQ & Grill is a locally owned business rooted in community, consistency, and genuine care. When people choose us, they’re choosing a team that takes pride in delivering both great barbecue and a reliable experience every time.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Many people are surprised to learn that behind the scenes, Hogback BBQ & Grill is truly a family operation in every sense. As a married couple running the business together, we balance ownership with raising our kids, attending school events, coaching sports, and navigating the same daily challenges as many of our customers. That perspective has shaped how we operate we understand the value of convenience, consistency, and creating a place where families can relax without pretense.

Our goal has always been to build not just a successful restaurant, but a sustainable life that allows us to stay present with our family while remaining deeply connected to the community we serve. Hogback isn’t just where we work it’s something we’ve built together, and it reflects the life we’re trying to create both at home and in our hometown.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Hogbackbbq.com
• Instagram: Hogbackbbq@gmail.com