Tallahassee's Big D's BBQ Moves to Gaines Street

Longtime barbecue joint relocates amid FAMU Way project

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:29am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, abstract silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of brightly colored barbecue ribs, conceptually representing the resilience and community impact of the beloved Tallahassee restaurant.Big D's BBQ brings its signature barbecue flavors to a new Gaines Street location, adapting to the changing landscape of Tallahassee.Tallahassee Today

Big D's BBQ, a beloved Tallahassee barbecue restaurant owned by D. Ransom and Q. Arnold, has relocated from its longtime South Adams Street location to a new spot on Gaines Street. The move comes as the FAMU Way project, a major infrastructure initiative, is underway in the area.

Why it matters

Big D's BBQ has been a Tallahassee institution for years, known for its hearty barbecue plates and community impact. The relocation to Gaines Street, a growing commercial district, will allow the restaurant to continue serving customers while also adapting to the changes brought by the FAMU Way project.

The details

After operating on South Adams Street for many years, Big D's BBQ has moved its operations to a new location on Gaines Street. The relocation was necessary due to the ongoing FAMU Way project, a major infrastructure initiative in the area that has impacted several local businesses. Despite the change in location, the restaurant's owners, D. Ransom and Q. Arnold, are committed to continuing to serve the Tallahassee community.

  • Big D's BBQ has operated on South Adams Street for many years.
  • The FAMU Way project, which has impacted the area, is currently underway.

The players

Big D's BBQ

A beloved barbecue restaurant that has been a Tallahassee institution for years.

D. Ransom and Q. Arnold

The owners of Big D's BBQ who are committed to continuing to serve the Tallahassee community.

FAMU Way

A major infrastructure project in Tallahassee that has impacted the area where Big D's BBQ was previously located.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're still here to serve the community,”

— D. Ransom and Q. Arnold, Owners, Big D's BBQ

The takeaway

Despite the challenges posed by the FAMU Way project, Big D's BBQ has demonstrated its resilience and commitment to the Tallahassee community by relocating to a new Gaines Street location, ensuring that its beloved barbecue remains accessible to local residents.