Sitting just next to Downtown Lakeland’s General Store is Good Buddies BBQ, a piece of Lakeland Barbecue Rib and Brisket Nirvana right here in our own backyard.

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I walked into Good Buddies yesterday to ask about an interview and was asked to contact owner Joel Vann on his cell phone (863-221-8144).

Why was Joel not in the restaurant?  Simple.  He was out on a catering gig doing what he does best – rock the smoker!

So, I left a voicemail for him explaining that I’m a BBQ enthusiast looking to write about and showcase some of Florida’s best BBQ joints, and that I’d like to speak with him about Good Buddies.  He sent a text message back to me within minutes stating: “At a catering. I am in!”    My guess? He probably had to put a new set of gloves on after speaking with me so he could get back to pulling pork for his guests.  Gotta love the hands on owner.

Stay tuned to this blog as we hope to have an in-depth talk with Joel at his Downtown Lakeland Good Buddies BBQ location.  I know I can’t wait – and I hope you can’t either!

About the BBQ Smoker Site’s BBQ Restaurant and Cook Team Reviews

This article continues a tradition here on the BBQ Smoker Site where we review and promote some of Florida’s best BBQ joints.  Our criteria? Simple.  We look for sole proprietor restaurants or competitive cook teams who are getting down to the art of good barbecue in true hands on fashion.

We don’t have anything against warehouse barbecue or chain BBQ restaurants.  We just like the close to it – personal touch – we see and experience with the guys working things on the smaller side of the scale.