Barrel & Boar
About Barrel & Boar:
Akin Affrica has a deep and abiding passion for food and for the communities it brings together. In May, that passion led him to take the reins of Barrel & Boar’s Gahanna and North Market locations. For Affrica, who hails from Cleveland, acquiring the Columbus-based smokehouse was the perfect opportunity to bring his unique brand of hospitality to a market he’d long admired. The story of Barrel & Boar is rooted in the rich history of Central Ohio barbecue. It began in 1983 as Holy Smoke BBQ and was later rebranded. The Gahanna location opened its doors in 2016, but its North Market stand has been a fixture for over 15 years, making it the longest-standing location and a key part of the market’s identity. Offering mouthwatering BBQ that many have said is the best they’ve had, Barrel & Boar consistently knocks it out of the park.
How Did The Idea Come About?
Affrica, who took over the Gahanna and North Market locations in May, brings with him a wealth of experience and a passion for the restaurant industry. A native of Cleveland, he has built a portfolio of 11 restaurants, including his late mother’s establishment, Angie’s Soul Food, which he has since rebranded as Angie’s Soul Cafe. His other Cleveland ventures include Zanzibar, a restaurant specializing in soul fusion cuisine. With a long-standing desire to enter the Columbus market, he saw Barrel & Boar as the perfect opportunity, particularly with its well-established locations and reputation for quality smoked meats. His vision is not only to grow Barrel & Boar in Columbus but also to potentially introduce the brand to Cleveland and bring his own concepts, like Zanzibar, to the Central Ohio market.
What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being a Part of The North Market?
For Affrica, the North Market location is special for a number of reasons. He loves the dynamic environment of food halls and markets, which he sees as perfect incubators for smaller operations. It’s a place where chefs can “sharpen their teeth” and gain invaluable experience, which can then help the business grow. He also values the strong sense of community and the rich history of the market itself, noting that the location is ideal for attracting a diverse range of customers. Becoming a part of the North Market family was a natural fit, aligning with his appreciation for food halls and is a fantastic community hub that attracts all kinds of customers, making it a great place to showcase his vision for building a brand.
What are must orders on the menu?
- Burnt Ends
- Brisket
- BBQ sauce Mac & Cheese
- Brussel Sprouts
Story of Barrel & Boar and Akin Affrica:
When asked about the most fun part of the business, Affrica immediately points to the creative side. He loves the design and presentation for the brands and new brands to come. He enjoys the business and marketing aspects, which allow him to shape a brand’s identity and share his passion with the world. Under his leadership, Barrel & Boar continues to honor its roots while forging a new path, celebrating the history of its locations while creating a fresh and exciting future.
Phone:
(614) 392-1079
Website:
Merchant's operating hours:
Sunday & Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.