Nibbles + Bites

A Taste of the South at Tobo’s

Where everyone is treated like family

Co-owner Travis Elliot with his daughter.

by Lara Tumer | photography by Lisa Crates

From left to right: Paul McGuire and co-owner Brad Torrence. There’s no question that North Carolina produces some of the best barbecue, and Tobo’s of Mooresville is certainly part of the competition. Co-owners Brad Torrence and Travis Elliot are longtime friends turned restaurateurs, born and raised right here in Iredell County. Both Elliot and Torrence have been in the food service industry for more than 25 years, but just recently decided to turn their years of experience in catering and barbecue into a brick and mortar, serving up their all-time favorite recipes. With Torrence taking on much of the kitchen management and Elliot handling most of the business aspects, they make an ideal team. As Torrence put it, they’re “just two country boys trying to make it.”

At the start of the pandemic, the two men had tossed around the idea of a restaurant, but due to the increased costs and uncertainty of in-house dining businesses at the time, decided to open a food truck instead. After some time, they re-approached the idea of something more permanent and soon found their current location on Charlotte Highway in Mooresville. The food truck is not obsolete though, and still caters a variety of events, most recently an event for GoPro as well as a party for Iredell County’s Hall of Fame for 250-plus guests.

While you can find a few of the same items on both the food truck and restaurant menu, the restaurant menu is certainly more expansive. Tobo’s offers everything from the literal “meat and potatoes” of the restaurant—their brisket and BBB—to burgers chops. Most of the menu is no frills but packed with flavor. Mains are broken up into either “baskets”—served with one side and a pickle, or “plates”—which are served with the choice of two sides. The sides include the classics like slaw, beans, fries, mac and cheese, and mashed taters. You really cannot choose wrong.

Don’t miss out on the appetizers, which might be some of the restaurant’s most popular and unique items. Hillbilly Eggrolls are handmade and stuffed with BBQ and greens, Redneck Nachos are topped with BBQ meat along all the traditional goodies, and Spicy Cheese Curds pack the perfect punch. Fried Oreos are the ideal final bite—no explanation needed.

Brunch and Jam

The restaurant offers a full bar along with a variety of specialty cocktails and beers are offered on special throughout the week. Sunday brunch is a must try at Tobo’s, featuring a buffet packed with biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, country ham, French toast, and eggs and omelets to order. The special runs from 10 a.m. -12:30 pm on Sunday followed by their ever so popular “Brunch and Jam” session of live music from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tobo’s has live music on Wednesday (typically Part Time Blues) and Thursday nights as well, featuring a variety of artists. Specific music lineups can often be found on the restaurant’s social media pages.

Tobo’s, which officially opened in January 2022, is starting to build momentum and often packed with regulars who eat at Tobo’s at least once a week. The restaurant is extremely family-friendly, something that was always a priority during planning. The name of the establishment pays tribute to Travis and Brad’s fathers – Tony and Bo. The approachable attitude of Tobo’s along with the quality of their food is sure to bring the restaurant success.

Tobo’s

2785 Charlotte Hwy., Mooresville 704.696.8339 Patrons can choose from a BBQ basket with one side and a pickle spear or plate with two sides.

Mention this ad for

FREE Delivery (within 30 mile radius)

Residential, Restaurant, & Cooking Woods: Kiln Dried Oak, Hardwood Mix, Hickory, Oak, Pine, plus others.

We also carry Racks, Firestarters, Firepit tools, Kindling, and more.

Delivery or Drop-in. No appointment is necessary. Any amount big or small.