This new Parrish food truck’s ‘life-changing’ barbecue ribs has a growing list of fans
At Ty Martin’s food truck, he really piles on the barbecue.
Order one of his pulled pork sandwiches, and you also get a fork. It helps getting through the savory mountain of barbecue.
“The portions are large,” the Parrish resident said.
Martin, a 42-year-old Marine Corps veteran, launched his food truck and catering business, Ty’s Golden Hog, in November after he and his family moved to Parrish from Maryland.
He recalls driving up and down U.S. 301 looking for a business that would allow him to park his food truck there.
He walked into the Marathon gas station and convenience store at 8003 U.S. 301 N. in Parrish’s Rose Park Plaza with a prepared spiel.
“I hadn’t got halfway into my presentation when the owner, Zack Saleh, said yes, Martin said.
Ever since, Golden Hog sets up at the gas station Wednesdays and most Fridays at 11 a.m. and sells barbecue until sold out.
“It’s all been word of mouth,” Martin said of his growing list of fans who come for the chicken, sandwiches or barbecued ribs — which some customers claim are a “life-changing” experience.
One customer came to the Golden Hog this week at the recommendation of a buddy and bought the loaded mac with chicken, two pulled pork sandwiches and barbecued beans with slaw on the side.
“It’s very good food. This arrangement helps us out and helps him,” Saleh said of having Golden Hog at the Marathon station twice a week.
A lifetime spent in the food business, including working as a sales rep for General Mills, managing a couple of restaurants, and doing gourmet vending for grocery stores eventually led Martin to the decision to go into business for himself.
“I was the guy in the neighborhood who did all the smoking and barbecuing. My friends said, ‘man, this is good, I’d buy this,’” Martin said. “My wife suggested I get out and do my own thing. All I knew is that I liked to cook, and here we are.”
The word-of-mouth advertising has brought Golden Hog business around the county.
Among places where Martin as served his barbecue are Mona Jain Middle School in Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto High School, Gene Witt Elementary, Rocky Bluff library branch and the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office.
“I have done several home owner associations and Piney Point bingo. “As soon as I pull up, they come up in their golf carts,” Martin said
At the special events, he sells drinks as well, but not at the Marathon station, preferring that customers give some of their business to Saleh.
In addition to his barbecue, Martin also makes and sells his own rubs and sauces.
“We’re here at the Marathon station Wednesday and Friday and we leave the rest of the week open for special events,” he said.
For more information, visit Ty’s Golden Hog Facebook page, call 240-640-6383 or email tysgoldenhog@gmail.com.
