Rising Tide BBQ In Middletown, Rhode Island: Meet The Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Will Burgess of Rising Tide BBQ in Middletown, Rhode Island. Rising Tide BBQ offers a vibrant and flavorful experience for barbecue lovers. With an array of expertly smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, each dish reflects the dedication of the skilled pitmaster. The casual atmosphere, complemented by local craft beers and tasty sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw, makes it an ideal spot for families and friends. Don't miss the chance to savor authentic BBQ flavors while enjoying the scenic charm of Rhode Island's coastline. Visiting Rising Tide BBQ guarantees a satisfying meal that embodies the spirit of regional culinary traditions.
Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
Mornings usually start around 5am with coffee, time with my wife, and time in the bible. After that, it’s the surf report, a workout, and probably another cup of coffee. End of day depends on the time of year, but I like to spend it with my kids on the beach or around a backyard fire pit. I’m a bit a backyard grill nerd, and we love to test different grilling and bbq’n styles at home as a family.
Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
My daughter won student of the month last month. That was cool. Other than that I’m proud to lead an awesome team of people that together we’ve built and run three food businesses for over 15 years now. The Food Shack, Island Time Catering, and Rising Tide BBQ. We were recently featured in The New York Times for our commitment to “raising the bar” on fast casual food, sharing our commitment to cooking with clean ingredients.
What do you typically cook at home for yourself or your family?
Depends on the season. Our favorite family meals we call “grown, caught, or shot” where we can only cook with things we grew in the garden, fish (and soon lobsters) that we caught, or venison we shot! The kids are involved in the whole process- planting seeds, nurturing the garden etc. My 6 yr old daughter just started spearfishing with me and wants to start hunting this fall.
What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
I’m really into the growing movement around seed-oil-free cooking and cutting all the artificial preservatives, sweeteners, etc from our food. It’s pushing people to think more critically about what we’re eating—not just flavor, but how it affects our health long term. That’s been a huge focus for us at all of our restaurants.
What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?
Coconut water straight from the coconut. We lived in Costa Rica for 9 months this year, and we’re eating pretty clean. Haven’t had a cocktail in a while, but a mezcal margarita would probably be my first choice.
Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
We’ve had a few drop in over the years, especially during Newport’s busier summer months. One time we catered a movie set for Robert Redford, Jason Segal, and Emma Stone.
What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?
ou can follow along at @401foodshack, @islandtimecatering, and @risingtidebbq.
Why should readers visit Rising Tide BBQ in Middletown, Rhode Island?
If you care about food that’s made from scratch, and free of the industrial junk that’s taken over the industry, you’ll love what we’re doing. Whether it’s tacos at The Food Shack, a catered party with Island Time, or smoked meats, sides, and desserts from Rising Tide BBQ, we’re raising the bar on casual food and doing it right.