Status: OPEN
Greg’s BBQ in Belen, New Mexico is a veteran-owned family restaurant where a Marine had to learn to trust his son. After Restaurant Impossible, this North Carolina-style BBQ joint is thriving in the heart of New Mexico.
A Marine’s Journey to BBQ
Greg learned to smoke meat in the Marine Corps, mastering North Carolina-style barbecue. His wife Carin was also a Marine – that’s where they met. Together, they built a business from the ground up:
- Started with a smoker in a truck
- Upgraded to a food truck
- Finally bought a brick-and-mortar restaurant for $10,000
But years of untreated stress and health conditions were taking their toll on Greg. He couldn’t stop micromanaging his son, and the weight of running the restaurant was crushing him.
The Episode (Season 21, Episode 13)
Title: “Lifting the Weight”
Air Date: July 22, 2022
Filming: April 2022
The episode title captured the real issue. Robert Irvine had to teach Greg to trust his son and start valuing his own health. A restaurant isn’t worth dying for.
What They Serve
Greg’s BBQ specializes in authentic, veteran-crafted barbecue:
- Brisket – slow-smoked Texas style
- Pulled Pork – North Carolina tradition
- House-made Green Chile Sausage – New Mexico twist
- Hand-pressed 1/3 Pound Burgers
The green chile sausage represents what makes Greg’s special – traditional BBQ techniques adapted to New Mexico’s unique flavors.
Post-Makeover Success
Reviews since the Restaurant Impossible visit have been mostly positive, with customers praising the food and the renovated space. Greg learned to step back and let his son help carry the load.
Visit Information
Address: 629 S Main St, Belen, NM 87002
Hours: Wed-Sun 11am-9pm (Closed Mon-Tue)
Known For: Brisket, Pulled Pork, Green Chile Sausage
View Greg’s BBQ on Google Maps →
Greg’s BBQ is proof that the best businesses are built by people who know when to let go and trust their team.
Last verified: January 2026
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