When it comes to feeding others, the most important ingredient just might be love. Maybe that’s why the food from Otis’s BBQ is so happy-tummy good.
Drive by the food truck parked at 23 Manitou Ave., on the El Colorado Lodge grounds, and you can’t help noticing the bold red-and-yellow signs. “Who’s Otis?” you might think.
Years ago, Stephen Davis Eshelman knew a dog named Otis who loved barbeque. He promised himself that, if he ever attained his dream of having a food truck devoted to barbequed meat and the fixings, he’d name it after that dog.
“He was such a fine gentleman,” he said.
Eshelman was born in Washington, D.C., but grew up in Alabama, cooking for family and friends; you can still hear the occasional slow, syrupy notes in his voice.
He was a special education teacher in School District 11, but the pay was low. He started selling barbeque on weekends at a location in Security. He decided to go all in on pursuing his dream and felt that Manitou Springs would be a good location.
He went up and down the avenue, asking business owners if he could sell at their locations, but was told no “about 100 times.”
“I was fortunate I was able to land here,” he said.
Otis’s opened in early September 2023, just in time for the tail end of prime tourist season. This has given him the opportunity to get better acquainted with the community.
Just making people happy makes me happy. – Stephen Davis Eshelman
“It’s been more than I ever could have dreamed it would be, as far as people supporting each other and the locals coming down,” Eshelman said.
So far, the ribs have been the most popular; people are showing up 30 minutes to an hour ahead of time to ensure they get some. Fans are also calling to order barbeque for birthdays and holiday gatherings, and Eshelman is catering a wedding at the end of February.
He was one of the caterers for the Manitou Springs Fire Department’s Turkey Shoot fundraiser in November 2023. He shows his love for the MSFD by taking any leftovers, carefully packaged, to the fire station as a thank-you for what they do for the community.
“Just making people happy makes me happy,” Eshelman said.
But sometimes, his devoted patrons are unhappy when the weather is so cold he has to shut down. But come on, the soap is frozen.
Business has slowed with the inclement weather, but he’s still busy enough to need a helper on Saturdays.
On his days off and after closing time, Eshelman sources his ingredients locally and carefully examines each piece of meat before he buys it.
“I don’t just grab it and run,” he said. “I want Manitou Springs to have the best barbecue … and try to outrun all the big boys.”
He returns to the food truck, seasons the meat and throws it in the smoker for the next day.
The potato salad, which is on par with the meat, is the only ready-made dish he buys. Everything else, including the ever-fresh cole slaw, is made with the aforementioned love.
“I’m very lucky to have this opportunity just to be out here and meet all these great people. If I can simply survive until the season picks up — and I’ve been doing everything I can — it’s going to be unbelievable,” Eshelman said.
THE MENU
Eshelman sells brisket for $15 for a half-pound or $28 for a pound; pork for $11 for a half-pound or $20 for a pound; ribs for $17 for a half-rack or $32 for a rack; and sausage for $12 with one side or $15 with two sides. One meat and one side is $12, two meats and one side is $20 and three meats and one side is $28; all can be a sandwich or plate. Sides are coleslaw, potato salad and baked beans. “Texas Twinkies” are $7.
IF YOU’RE SALIVATING
Otis’s BBQ is at 23 Manitou Ave. Right now, the hours are noon to 6 p.m. (or whenever Eshelman runs out) Tuesdays-Sundays when it’s sunny and the temperatures are above freezing. If you’re on Facebook, search for “Otis’s BBQ and fine foods” for updates on specials, hours, etc. or call 719-459-3840.