Moosehead BBQ Grill expands into Avon

Eatery recently debuted outdoor patio space

The Moosehead BBQ Grill in Avon has brought barbecue back to the area.

The familiar, family favorite has been a staple in Lorain County since 1995 with its first location in Vermilion.

The Amherst restaurant, 7660 Leavitt Road, opened in 2006.

The latest addition, located at 820 Center Road, has gradually opened since late 2020.

The eatery opened for dine-in in April and recently debuted its outdoor patio space.

Josh Hagg is one of the owners who took over the restaurant in Amherst over a year ago.

The former owner was a relative of Haggs. Hagg also is director of operations and executive chef at both locations.

The restaurants are owned by Hagg’s business partner Joshua P. Hogan and Scott Hagg, Josh Hagg’s father.

Hogan has been with Moosehead for 19 years.

The space formerly was occupied by Bubba’s-Q.

“We did it in stages,” Hagg said. “There was a lot to do when we took over in August 2020 in the midst of a pandemic.”

Hagg said the opportunity to open a second restaurant was too good to pass up.

“I saw the whole structure of the building was there, but it needed a little bit of love,” he said. “After a walk through, it turned out to be everything that we wanted.

“It’s a great location, a great spot and a great city.”

Moosehead BBQ Grill has evolved since the new ownership, Hagg said.

The second location features a southern BBQ style of ordering where customers seat themselves and place orders at the bar and servers bring it to the table.

Customers also have the option of using a QR code to order.

The goal is to be recognized as having the best ribs and brisket in the Cleveland area, Hagg said.

But, that’s not all they serve, he said.

“We have something for the whole family,” Hagg said.

“We’ve got a bunch of different starters and other options as well.”

The newly renovated outdoor space will allow for weekly bands and karaoke, he said.

“We had a vision of what this place could turn into, and we just ran with it,” Hagg said.

Both Moosehead locations are hiring for most positions, he said.

ALIAH KIMBRO — THE MORNING JOURNAL Moosehead BBQ Grill owners Joshua P. Hogan, Scott Hagg and Josh Hagg took ownership over a year ago.

PHOTOS BY ALIAH KIMBRO — THE MORNING JOURNAL Above: Moosehead BBQ Grill owner Josh Hagg poses in newly renovated patio space, shown below.