Big Box Barbeque hitching its wagon to Narrabundah shops

Posted on 2 April, 2025

Michael Box has had a high-flyer career as a chef cooking at Momofuku, Nomad Sydney and now overseeing Akiba, Wilma and Loquita as their Group Executive Chef.

But if you ask him what fills his cup, Michael admits his heart really belongs in the simplicity of Barbeque. Texan-style to be exact.

“Fire. Meat. Salt and Pepper. Spice. So simple and yet so much potential for flavour!”

The Essex-born Americanophile chef is opening a new shopfront in Narrabundah which seeks to put his Texas-inspired, Canberra-cooked barbeque on the map, serving flavour onto local tables through a variety of means.

Having run a pop-up barbeque across various markets and catering gigs over the last year, Michael has built a steady following.

Now it’s time to give his 16-hour Smoked Wagyu Brisket from Darling Downs a permanent home.

And that home is on Iluka Street, at the Narrabundah Shops.

Tucked down the oppositive end to Kita, Michael plans with pride to have his 500 gallon smoker front and centre of the store. There are 25 new outdoor seats and tables, and his relatively small shop front will open each Sunday for barbeque for people to pre-order and take their barbeque feast home, or for them to come in, line up and feast on site.

From 12-hour smoked Borrowdale Pork Butt, smothered in Big Box Barbeque Hot Vinegar, to the 8-hour Smoked Free Range Pork Belly Burnt Ends seasoned in their Signature Rub and glazed with sweet and sticky Big Box Barbeque Sauce, or the 6-hour smoked Chicken Maryland, House made rub and dipped in House-made Alabama White Sauce, the carnivores will be beside themselves.

But Michael has also provided for vegetarian and vegan diets with glazed and smoked celeriac, spiced cauliflower and a fried eggplant and tomato salad.

There will also be a variety of sides, including a Texas Potato Salad, a Corn, Coriander and Apple Cider Salad, Buttermilk Slaw and a Raw Onion Salad. Oh, and Mac and Cheese!

Everything comes with Martins Butter Bread and McClure Pickles, Big Box Barbeque sauce which are all authentic barbeque staples and which will be stocked on his shelves in the store.

“The reaction from people has been extremely positive and this is our next step in terms of expanding the brand and giving back to the community.”

Opening just one day a week is strategic. Michael wants his food to be in demand, and for people to pre-order and plan their meal, just as they would a Sunday pub lunch in England. But he is also building the Iluka Street venue as Canberra’s newest collaborative kitchen. Zac Jerrim from All About Burgers will be onsite other days of the week to pump out his epic American-style smash burgers and Michael has another up-and-coming pastry chef keen to get a foothold in the new Narrabundah digs.

“I want Iluka Street Market to be a community space, where kids are welcome and people can come and enjoy the experience of local food done with passion.”

Of course, Michael has a big vision to take his Big Box Barbeque brand around the country through the catering wing as well as setting up the next chapter in the story.

“The whole concept makes me feel so excited and inspired and I know Canberrans are going to respond well. I also love the collaborative side and seeing what is going to develop from some of the younger hospo talent out there.”

Michael is planning a grand opening weekend of barbeque mid-to-late May so stay tuned.