Roundup Record Tribune & Winnett Times -

Two years ago, this December Morgan Belveal and his partner Joey Campanella came to Roundup to take over the operation of Morgan's family business, the Big Sky Motel. Since then, they have continued to make improvements on the motel, tearing down the old unused portion and building a friendly gathering place for customers and friends, remodeling older rooms, and all-around making improvements. It has been nice to see the changes as we drive by on Main Street. Currently the two young entrepreneurs are adding another level to the business that will be a draw for more than just overnight customers, but the whole community. A barbeque take-out shop. It is with great excitement for me to bring the news that The Backporch BBQ is opening at the Big Sky Motel.

The inspiration for the Barbeque came collectively to Morgan and Joey. Morgan's father had a food truck called Backporch BBQ in Roundup for 15 years. Morgan stated that his father stopped doing that about five years ago. He says that the Roundup community learned about his dads BBQ and loved it, so when Morgan moved to Philadelphia, "I wanted to start a food truck there that was all Montana BBQ inspired called The Backporch". "So, it started as a food truck in my head back in Philadelphia, and then we finally made it back here and we can do it now". Joey is originally from Baltimore Maryland, he met Morgan during his time at school in Philly, he worked in Philly and New York in the restaurant industry, "we moved to California, then in the pandemic we moved back to Roundup. This is our venture." Joey says.

"We have been on a mission to find out what "Montana Barbeque" is, and introduce it to the world of Barbeque that is so Texas and Carolina focused." Morgan states. "Because we all grew up having Barbeque. One of the things that is special to us is the Cattle Drive, so our Barbeque is kind of a melting pot of everyone's barbeques."

The BBQ is more than just a take-out diner to Morgan and Joey. "It really tells a story." Morgan is using his dad's recipes for rubs and sauces. Four of the meats are Montana BBQ inspired, and pit beef is a Maryland version of BBQ which tells Joey's story of coming to Montana from Maryland. The red velvet cupcakes are Morgan's great grandmother's recipe. The beef is local.

Lura Pitman

The take-out will also be serving Coffee and waffles in the morning for all the motel customers, and everyone can also come buy espresso and waffles. The coffee too, tells a story. The coffee is from a friend of Morgan's in Washington, who roasts the beans herself, and has won all the awards in coffee. "It is sustainable, and produced almost entirely by women farmers around the world, so their coffee tells a great story and we are happy to have their coffee here, and it is really good coffee."

The barbeque will have six different sauces from across the country that will be made in house. "They are all very different, so people can find their favorite. Morgan is the pit master, and Joey does the BBQ. They have employed six people, three to cook, and three to serve at the counter. The coffee and waffles will be served in the morning, and the barbeque will be available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, twelve hours a day. You can find the take out at the Big Sky Motel on Main Street, or call 406-323-2100 http://www.thebackporchroundup.com, @thebackporchroundup on Facebook.