Holy City Zoo BBQ Brings Award Winning Barbecue to Longwood

Holy City Zoo BBQ officially opened on Saturday, April 18, adding a new barbecue destination in Central Florida. The 5,000-square-foot, woman- and veteran-owned restaurant on South Ronald Reagan Boulevard that blends traditional American barbecue, globally inspired flavors, and rock-and-roll energy. 

Founded by culinary duo Greg and Kristina Gaardbo, the restaurant builds on more than 15 years of award-winning experience and a loyal following from the Midwest. The Gaardbos bring their signature “no shortcuts” philosophy to Longwood. The meats are slow-smoked over cherry wood and seasoned with carefully crafted, meat-specific spice blends. 

At its core, the menu celebrates classic American barbecue, but doesn’t stop there. Drawing from their international travels, the Gaardbos incorporate global influences into rotating specials and side dishes with offerings like patatas bravas and Mexican street corn. The result seems to be a menu that feels both familiar and adventurous. 

The atmosphere matches the boldness of the food. With a high-energy, rock-and-roll theme infused with 1980s nostalgia, Holy City Zoo BBQ aims to be more than just a place to eat. 

Additionally, the restaurant has a thoughtfully curated beer program. Kristina Gaardbo, a Certified Cicerone, has developed a beverage selection that goes beyond standard pairings. Featuring a mix of local craft brews and international imports, the beer list is intentionally designed to complement the flavors of the smoked meats. 

“Anyone can smoke meat, but good barbecue is never rushed,” said Kristina Gaardbo in a press release. “We hold our beer program to that same standard, selecting styles that don’t just sit next to the food but elevate every bite.” 

The Gaardbos’s culinary journey began with backyard cookouts and evolved into a catering business, cooking classes, and eventually a restaurant concept in Chicago. Their previous venture earned accolades such as Best BBQ in Illinois by Money Magazine and a People’s Choice Award at Windy City Smokeout. 

In addition to daily service, Holy City Zoo BBQ plans to host immersive dining events, including themed pairing dinners, chef-led global cuisine nights, cooking classes, and smoker workshops. These experiences will bring people together through food and entertainment, but also education. 

“Our mission is to serve the best barbecue and beer we can while creating a unique dining experience shaped by our travels,” said Greg Gaardbo. “We want guests to feel like they’re on a culinary journey—without ever losing that sense of comfort and authenticity.”

Holy City Zoo BBQ is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Catering services are also available for events across Central Florida.

Ava McDonnell

Ava McDonnell is the Digital Content Creator/Editorial Manager for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine while also earning her bachelor's degree in English at the University of Central Florida. Her work has been featured in UCF's The Charge and Her Campus UCF. She also has experience in editing using AP Style and SEO guidelines. Located in Clermont, Ava has always had a passion for learning about people's lives and sharing accurate stories with the world. She is dedicated to getting the job done right while making content interesting for readers. Aside from writing, you can find her indulging in the great outdoors with the people she loves. Whether it is hiking, taking photographs, or trying new activities, she is up for almost anything.

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