Bubba Southern Comforts is kicking off its 10th anniversary with a one‑day barbecue takeover from USA TODAY Restaurant of the Year Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew — and it’s expected to draw a crowd.
Bubba, the downtown Des Moines restaurant known for its Southern comfort cooking and polished hospitality, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a lineup of collaborations, limited‑time dishes and one‑day‑only events stretching from late June through July.
Between exemplary central Texas barbecue, Champagne‑battered chicken and a rare Eagle Rare barrel, Bubba’s anniversary is shaping up to be one of the most talked‑about food events of the summer.
Bubba makes a mark on central Iowa
The milestone marks a decade since Bubba opened its doors in 2016, quickly becoming a fixture of the city’s dining scene with its bourbon collection, fried chicken, brunch classics and warm, lived‑in charm.
Diebel took his 2013 dream that started as a three-day pop-up event and made it into a full-fledged restaurant serving Southern fare. He gave it a name that reflects his Southeast Texas background. Growing up, his family called him Bubba, a Southern term of affection for the firstborn son.
A painting of Founding Partner Chris Diebel’s mother’s grandmother in all her Southern belle debutante gown charm hangs in the lounge, while his cowboy-rugged father’s grandfather oversees the downstairs dining room. A collection of bow ties and a trio of artist Van Holmgren’s deer heads add to the personal touches of the space.
Now, the restaurant is honoring the community that helped it grow with a slate of partnerships that spotlight Iowa talent and a little Champagne.
Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ pop‑up, a one-day menu
The celebration begins Wednesday, June 24, with a one‑day barbecue takeover featuring Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew from Luther, Iowa. The collaboration brings together two powerhouse Iowa brands for a menu built around smoked meats, Southern staples and Bubba’s signature hospitality.
The special menu includes smoked wings with honey habanero raspberry sauce, pulled pork mac bites, a one-pound smoked beef rib “Dino Bone,” shrimp and grits, fried chicken plates, a burnt ends po’boy and desserts like bananas Foster parfait and whiskey pecan pie. It’s a greatest hits mashup of comfort food and smokehouse craft — available for one day only, with separate menus for lunch and dinner.
Catch the one‑day Whatcha Smokin’ menu on June 24, because once it’s gone, it’s gone.
A one-of-a-kind Eagle Rare Bourbon barrel
Bubba will also debut a limited-edition 10th anniversary single barrel of Eagle Rare Bourbon, hand-selected to commemorate the restaurant’s first decade. The bottles — available only while supplies last — nod to Bubba’s long-standing reputation as one of downtown’s go-to spots for whiskey lovers.
Bubba’s hand-selected Eagle Rare single barrel will be available in extremely limited quantities — bourbon fans will want to move fast.
“The Eagle has landed,” said Kate Willer, operating partner at Bubba Southern Comforts.
‘Bubbles & Birds’ with Veuve Clicquot
The Veuve Clicquot “Bubbles & Birds” collab brings a Champagne-battered chicken sandwich, the kind of high-low pairing destined for Instagram.
From July 13-18, Bubba teams up with Veuve Clicquot for a playful, indulgent pairing: a Champagne-battered chicken sandwich served with fries and a glass of Veuve for $45. The collaboration blends Bubba’s signature fried chicken with one of the world’s most recognizable Champagnes, a pairing that fits the restaurant’s celebratory mood.
Bubba’s official birthday unleashes cake
The festivities wrap on Tuesday, July 28 — exactly 10 years after Bubba first opened — with a sweet thank you. Customers who purchase an entrée will receive a complimentary slice of birthday cake while supplies last.
“Reaching 10 years is an incredible milestone in the hospitality industry,” Diebel said. “These events are our way of celebrating the people who have made Bubba what it is today while looking forward to the next chapter.”
With four weeks of collaborations and limited-time dishes, Bubba’s anniversary is built for anyone who loves a good excuse to eat well — or talk about it.
Where to find Bubba Southern Comforts
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Bubba marks 10 years with Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ pop-up downtown
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
