Macis’ Prime BBQ joins kitchen lineup at Wash Ave Food Hall

An additional food vendor has signed on at Wash Ave Food Hall (1122 Washington), the downtown dining and social destination slated to open in October.

Macis’ Prime BBQ will join Little BAO (a concept specializing in bao, rice bowls, and udon noodle bowls), Steve’s Smash (Steve Ewing’s burger-and-fries kitchen), and the PourMyBeer wall (a self-pour beverage experience from 4 Hands Brewing Co).

Courtesy of Macis' Prime BBQ

Courtesy of Macis' Prime BBQ

St. Louis native Shawn Mueller established the Macis’ brand nearly eight years ago, having been inspired in part by his father and a shared passion for barbecue. Like many successful pitmasters, Mueller began smoking meats for friends and family, eventually turning the hobby into a catering business and later a mobile food trailer. The Wash Ave Food Hall will mark Macis’ first permanent location.

From the beginning, Mueller says his goal has been to “make the best food we possibly can and never sacrifice quality just to grow.” That commitment extends to the proteins: Macis’ uses Wagyu beef along with Duroc and Berkshire pork, and Mueller personally visits the farms that supply them.

Courtesy of Macis' Prime BBQ

Courtesy of Macis' Prime BBQ

The Food Hall location will serve Mueller’s barbecue mainstays, including smoked brisket, pulled pork, and turkey. Periodic specials include beef ribs, pork steak, pork belly “candy,” and beef shoulder “clod.”

Mueller and chef Marvion Dean are also developing dishes specifically for the new location, including a smoked beef shepherd’s pie that will be exclusive to Wash Ave Food Hall.

Never short on confidence, Mueller bills Macis’ as “STL’s Premier BBQ Company,” describing its food as “mouthwatering and cooked to perfection.” He backs up the claim with a promise printed on every menu: “If our barbecue needs sauce, I’ll give you a refund.”

Courtesy of Macis' Prime BBQ

Courtesy of Macis' Prime BBQ

The Macis’ name comes from “Maddie and CiCi’s Prime Barbecue,” a nod to Mueller’s nieces, Madeline and Cecilia, whose images are incorporated into the company’s logo.

“Macis’ is a great example of the local operators we are excited to have join the Wash Ave Food Hall — a distinctive St. Louis business with a great story, a passionate following, and exceptional food offering that people will come to Wash Ave to experience,” said developer Alex Oliver, CEO of Oliver Properties, in a release. “Every founding vendor brings something different to the Food Hall, and Macis’ adds an elevated approach to one of the foods St. Louis loves most: BBQ.”

Additional vendors and details surrounding the opening of the Wash Ave Food Hall will be announced in the coming weeks.