In the heart of Ocean Springs, Salt & Sand BBQ Company is more than a destination for great barbecue—it’s a story served warm, one plate at a time. The brisket arrives with a bark so perfectly set it could win arguments, the pulled pork falls apart at a glance, and somewhere behind it all is a family who bet everything on the belief that food made with love tastes different. They were right.
Owners Chris and Leigh Horton first met in college and quickly discovered they shared something bigger than a connection. Together, they dreamed of building something meaningful rooted in family, hard work, love, and ultimately something they could pass on to their daughter.
To understand Salt & Sand, you have to start at the beginning: a food truck, a smoker, and a lot of faith. Long days and nights, and the kind of dedication that either breaks you or defines you, helped them build a loyal following one plate at a time. What started as a mobile kitchen soon became a name people recognized. Chris Horton’s smoked brisket—slow-cooked and pulled at the exact moment of tenderness—became the foundation of a menu that felt both deeply familiar and unmistakably their own.
As the love for their food grew, so did their dream. Salt & Sand BBQ eventually expanded into a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Ocean Springs, bringing their signature flavors and Southern hospitality into a permanent home. The smell alone is enough to stop you—a rich drift of smoke that wraps around you like a warm welcome. The menu reads like a love letter to Gulf Coast barbecue: tender fall of the bone ribs, creamy mac and cheese with a golden, bubbled crust, and Southern-style green beans seasoned the way comfort food should be. Every side earns its place on the plate.
But even as they grew, they never let go of where it all began. The original food truck remains an active part of the business today, serving catering events, festivals, private gatherings, and community celebrations throughout the Gulf Coast, carrying the same heart and flavor that first built their reputation.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team helps bring the vision to life every day. Chris Horton serves as Pit-master, bringing skill, consistency, and a craftsman’s discipline to every smoked meat. Shelby Horton leads as Head Chef and Catering Director, overseeing menu development and catering operations with equal parts creativity and care. Emmanuel Brown helps ensure smooth kitchen operations and consistent quality, while Leigh Horton coordinates catering events with the warmth and hospitality that have become hallmarks of the Salt & Sand experience.
From the moment you walk in, Salt & Sand feels like being welcomed into someone’s home. There is warmth, laughter, and the easy comfort of Southern hospitality. Then the food arrives, and every conversation pauses—just briefly—because the plate in front of you demands a moment of honest respect.
Salt & Sand BBQ is a legacy in the making. Built on faith, family, and determination, the Hortons have created something that honors where they came from while building something lasting for where they’re going. For every guest who walks through the door, that story is served right alongside the meal.
Salt & Sand BBQ Company
2335 Goverment St., Ocean Springs
228.327.3363
saltandsandbbqco.com
Hours: Mon-Fri, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
