Hank's Texas BBQ opens second central Ohio location in Delaware

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Hank's Texas BBQ has expanded its central Ohio footprint with the opening of a second location, bringing its Texas-style smoked meats and Southern-inspired sides to Delaware.

The new restaurant, located at 5200 U.S. 42 South, launched in September and spans 6,000 square feet -- three times the size of its original Clintonville location at 2941 N. High St., which opened in 2020.

The expanded space allows for a broader menu that includes a variety of starters, handhelds and meat platters. Diners can choose from appetizers dubbed "hankerings," such a fried pickle chips, chicken wings and fried green tomatoes. The menu also features tacos with house-made chips and salsa, salads, and sandwiches served on brioche buns and house-cut fries.

Meat platters include a quarter-pound portion of protection per selection, with options such a prime brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage and turkey. Sides range from mac and cheese and potato salad to burnt ends baked beans and corn spoon bread.

Hank's specializes in central Texas barbeque, a style that emphasizes simple rubs, quality cuts and slow smoking. On the company's website, owner Brad Harkrider explains the restaurant's origin and namesake.

"I was born in Texas and have worked in the Columbus restaurant scene for the last 20 years. I have always felt drawn to BBQ throughout my career," Harkrider said. "While doing my externship in culinary school, chef coats were ordered with my name on them. Instead of reading Brad Harkrider they read Hank Rider. The name just stuck."

Both the Clintonville and Delaware locations are open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.