SIOUX CITY — Melting Cow is a new Sioux City barbeque restaurant offering old-school-style smoked meats with a Midwest twist.
Located in Major’s Sports Bar on Fourth Street, Melting Cow BBQ offers a variety of smoked meats and sides. Creators Nick Carter and Stacy Johnson have been growing the business over the last year with the hopes of building an authentic barbeque experience in Sioux City.
The pair are foodies at heart and around three years ago, they found a passion for smoking foods, Johnson said. That passion has turned into a full-time gig.
As an administrator at Tyson Foods, Carter could get a variety of meats at great prices. The backyard hobby grew and Carter started cooking for people in the community and at Tyson potlucks.
Melting Cow Creators Nick Carter and Stacy Johnson.
After looking around at the limited sit-down barbeque options in Sioux City, they saw an opportunity. They officially started Melting Cow in January through pop-ups at the Jefferson Beer Supply.
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Johnson worked at Rebos for four years. One day, she brought in some of their smoked meats and after Rebos’ owner tried it, he offered to lease his extra kitchen at Major’s to them, she said.
In May, Melting Cow placed first in the Siouxland Growth Organization innovation market. The winnings helped them officially start their LLC, buy an official sign and invest in supplies. Their business and customer base has grown since.
There are a variety of different ways and styles of smoking meats. Carter found a love for the old-style way of smoking meats -- in a smoker with a live fire. Whether it's hot outside or snowing outside, he wants to maintain a consistent flavor year round. While it is a major time commitment, he said it’s what sets them apart.
“We live on a 30-to-45-minutes timer,” he said. “Going out there and making sure it’s consistent. I think that definitely puts a staple kind of flavor to what we’re trying to do.”
Melting Cow Pitmaster Nick Carter shows a piece of meat from his smoker.
Melting Cow Pitmaster Nick Carter has located his business in Major’s Sports Bar on Fourth Street. Melting Cow BBQ offers a variety of smoked …
Carter said this style of smoking gives their food a big flavor, something that they both hope customers remember.
Slow-smoked brisket, Mississippi beef, pulled pork sandwiches, raspberry chipotle wings, chili, loaded bowls, baby back ribs, smoked beans, cheesy potatoes, chicken wings and smoked cream cheese are just a few of the different foods Melting Cow has served.
“If it can be baked in an oven, we’re going to try it on the smoker,” Johnson said.
Both Carter and Johnson quit their jobs to dedicate their time completely to the new business. While Carter’s main focus is smoking, Johnson is the expert on customer service.
Melting Cow Co-Owner Stacy Johnson shows a piece of meat from their smoker.
Meat being cooked in Melting Cow's woodfired smoker.
Melting Cow serves lunch Friday through Saturday and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. until they sell out. Carter said they post the menu on their Facebook page and let the public know when they sell out. Carter said if more people show up for dinner, the more he will start to make.
“The more people that keep showing up, it’s going to let me know that I can just keep making more food, and more of my inventory because we want to give out a fresh product,” he said.
Carter and Johnson also offer catering services and have done a few catered meals for local businesses.
While Melting Cow continues to grow their business, the next step for them is investing in dining ware for customers who want more of a sit-down experience. Eventually, Carter and Johnson hope to be able to grow into a high-class barbeque restaurant for the area.
