A Family-Run Haven for Authentic Southern Cuisine
By ShuRhonda N. Bradley, Columnist
Have you ever been told a restaurant was so good that you had to try it out? That’s how I came across Twins Smokehouse BBQ. A longshoreman, with a belly full of wisdom and BBQ, convinced me to try.
Twins Smokehouse BBQ, which opened its doors in July 2014, is a family-owned establishment with a rich Louisiana tradition. Founded by identical twins Jacalyn and Jocelyn Williams, the BBQ joint is solely run by Jocelyn Williams. These sisters were born in California but raised in the heart of Louisiana, where they soaked up all that Southern flavor.
Twins Smokehouse BBQ menu boasts rib tips, mac and cheese, red beans and rice and collard greens prepared just like grandma’s with smoked ham hocks. With Twins Smokehouse around, I don’t have to cook my own collard greens or red beans and rice. I can just go there and pick up the goods. We even shared a laugh about how we Southerners like to dip our cornbread in the collard green juice and eat it with our bare hands.
I tried to get Jocelyn to spill the beans on her seasoning techniques and gotos., She gave me a few hints but reminded me that a cook’s gotta keep some secrets. She shared that Twins makes their own seasonings and has a BBQ sauce that’s out of this world. The sauce, a family recipe handed down from their mom, has been perfected with Jocelyn’s twist. She hinted at one secret ingredient: powdered mustard. Her barbecue sauce has a tangy kick that dances on your tongue, adding a depth of flavor that store-bought sauces just can’t match. She dared me to ditch the store sauce and once I tried hers, I was a convert.
Running a successful BBQ joint takes more than just good food; it requires organization and preparation. Jocelyn shared that these skills were honed in her bustling family kitchen. With four girls and four boys, everyone had a role, especially during the holidays. From sweet potato pie to pound cakes, every dish had a designated chef, and this teamwork has translated seamlessly into her business operations.
Customer service is at the heart of Twins Smokehouse. I met a gentleman experiencing homelessness who took a bus from Orange County just for a meal at Twins. He rode his bike part of the way, asking directions and praying the place was still there. He was grateful that Twins accepted EBT, providing a balanced meal and a respite from fast food. It’s stories like these that show Jocelyn’s commitment to her community.
Jocelyn’s three children also pitch in when needed, making this truly a family affair. With an eye on the future, she’s looking to expand Twins Smokehouse into a franchise and even cater to the vegan community, ensuring everyone can enjoy the rich flavors of Louisiana.
Twins Smokehouse BBQ is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but come any other day, and you’ll be greeted with warmth, flavor, and a little piece of the South. Twins Smokehouse BBQ lives and serves the community by “Eat Better Today,” which stemmed from EBT (electronic benefit transfer). So, if you’re looking to “Eat Better Today,” head on down to Twins Smokehouse BBQ — you won’t regret it.
Twins Smokehouse BBQ
555 W Willow St, Long Beach, CA 90810
Details: (562) 427-4800, twinssmokehousebbq.com