Station House BBQ has earned high praise at the International Cuban Sandwich Festival in Ybor City by winning the title of World’s Best Popular Cuban Sandwich. The local business, which has earned several awards over the years, impressed judges and festival visitors alike with its unique and skilfully crafted sandwich. The win adds another chapter to their growing reputation within Tampa’s food scene.
Award for Best Popular Cuban Sandwich
The prestigious accolade was awarded after a competitive event that saw leading vendors from various regions contest for the top spot. Station House BBQ’s entry, known as the Smokin’ Cuban, stood out for its balanced combination of flavours that appealed to both the judges and the public. Their innovative approach in marrying ingredients and techniques clearly paid off.
The Winning Sandwich
The Smokin’ Cuban is a pressed Cuban sandwich that brings together a range of high-quality components. Its recipe features a blend of ingredients that range from savoury and tangy to a hint of sweetness. The blend of textures and tastes creates a delightful eating experience.
Below is a table outlining the key ingredients that make up the award-winning Smokin’ Cuban:
| Ingredient | Description |
| Smoked Pork | Rich and tender, providing a strong, savoury base |
| Sweet Ham | A subtly sweet flavour that complements the meat |
| Hard Salami | Adds a salty and slightly spicy dimension |
| Swiss Cheese Sauce | Creamy and smooth, tying the ingredients together |
| Mojo Mayo Mustard | A zesty and tangy sauce with a hint of citrus |
| Sweet Relish | Provides a balanced sweetness that enhances the overall taste |
| Signature Sweet Guava BBQ Sauce | A distinctive sauce that unites the sandwich’s flavour profile |
This carefully thought-out recipe not only impressed the taste buds but also contributed to the sandwich’s visual appeal. The pressing technique used during preparation ensures that each layer is uniformly heated and seasoned.
Festival Performance
Station House BBQ aimed high from the start with a goal to sell 480 Cuban sandwiches during the festival. Their ambitious target was driven by both a desire to succeed in a competitive field and to showcase the quality of the Smokin’ Cuban to a wider audience. The success of their offering at the festival has undoubtedly raised their profile among food enthusiasts and industry experts.
The Business Beginnings
The origins of Station House BBQ are both humble and inspiring. Founded by Anthony Fonseca, a local firefighter, alongside his wife Allison, who works as a schoolteacher, the business began as a weekend venture. Initially, they catered for fellow firefighters and educators, relying on their passion for quality barbecue. Their skilful approach to food quickly attracted a loyal following, allowing the business to expand from a small-scale operation into one of Tampa’s reputable barbecue brands.
A significant turning point in their journey came in 2019, when Anthony and Allison joined forces with Joshua Paul. Joshua, who had impressed many with his creative idea of converting a fire truck into a mobile BBQ unit, brought a fresh concept to the business. This partnership enriched the brand with new ideas and operational flexibility, further solidifying its standing within the competitive culinary scene.
Founders and Key Contributors
The growth of the business can be attributed to the unique skills and vision of its founders and partners. The table below summarises the background and roles of the main contributors:
| Name | Background | Role within the Business |
| Anthony Fonseca | Local firefighter | Co-founder; instrumental in establishing the BBQ project |
| Allison Fonseca | Schoolteacher | Co-founder; vital in nurturing the community connection |
| Joshua Paul | Entrepreneur | Partner; introduced the mobile BBQ concept and expanded the service |
Their combined efforts have transformed Station House BBQ from a modest passion project into a reputable brand with a strong presence in the region.
Locations and Community Impact
The award-winning sandwich is available at two distinct locations. Each site plays a part in serving a diverse range of customers, ranging from local residents to visiting food enthusiasts. The convenience of multiple outlets reinforces the business’s commitment to accessibility and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Station House BBQ win the title?
They won the award for their skilfully prepared Smokin’ Cuban sandwich.
What are the main ingredients in the Smokin’ Cuban?
It features smoked pork, sweet ham, hard salami, Swiss cheese sauce, mojo mayo mustard, sweet relish, and a sweet guava BBQ sauce.
Where can customers find the Smokin’ Cuban?
The sandwich is available at the Seminole Heights and MOSI locations.
Who founded Station House BBQ?
The business was started by firefighter Anthony Fonseca and his wife, Allison.
How does the business support the local community?
They participate in charity events and provide meals for community projects.
What future plans does Station House BBQ have?
They aim to expand their menu, improve service, and open additional outlets.