Back to the Foodture restaurant moves from Pitcairn to SouthSide Works
A line of people, hungry for lunch, formed outside of SouthSide Works’ newest eatery.
Back to the Foodture, a 1980s concept restaurant, has moved its Pitcairn location to the city. The names comes from the mid-1980s movie “Back to the Future”
“We heard it was coming and kept checking to see if it was open,” said Tamara Thomas, of Mt. Oliver, who works nearby and was ordering with a co-worker. “We’ve bought lunch here several times already. Everything is really, really good. It is great to support a locally owned business.”
When the restaurant opened on May 6, it became the first Black-owned business in SouthSide Works, said Eddie Barnz. He co-owns the restaurant with wife Angel Magwood, who is the chef.
“It’s been super busy since we opened our doors, “ said Barnz.
The Monroeville couple’s first location was in Pitcairn. It opened in 2019.
They closed that one in April because it’s been difficult finding employees for two restaurants, Barnz said. Many customers from there have already visited them, Barnz said.
“We call them ‘Foodture Maniacs,’ ” Barnz said. “They are our fan base.”
Because of the line waiting to buy lunch before noon, the restaurant will adjust hours to open at 11 a.m. starting Monday, Barnz said.
There are 19 specialty hamburgers such as the Mcfly, which has a ¼-pound patty with pepper jack cheese, tomato, lettuce, sliced buffalo chips and topped with ranch buffalo sauce for $11.
The Waikiki is three ¼-pound patties, pineapples, Colby cheese, bacon, green peppers topped with tropical sauce for $13.50.
There are several hot dog options, including the Lassie, which has cheese and bacon. They have 150 wing sauces.
Menu items have been created by Magwood. The mother of four and grandmother of two said she loves being able to experiment with different combinations.
Each burger is made fresh.
“I can be free at this job,” she said, as she grilled some hamburgers. “I don’t have to follow anyone else’s rules and I don’t have to ask anyone to give me permission on a burger combination.”
While customers wait they can view a museum-inspired décor counter filled with photos that span from 1900 to 2021, highlighting family members who were good cooks and inspired the couple to get into the food business.
There are also images of the owners when they were younger – they were friends in high school.
Barnz saved many of his childhood toys and customers have contributed some as well to create a display of times past. Some things are encased in glass. There is a Mr. Potato Head, Rock’Em Sock’Em robots, Jarts and Slinky. Vinyl records are attached to the front counter.
A tricycle and scooter sit in the back corner not far from a pair of old-time roller skates.
Barnz said he kept the items because he wanted other kids – and adults — to see them.
“Look at all of this,” said Thomas, as she waited for her burger, fries and drink – the lunch special. “These things definitely bring back memories. I am so glad this place is here. We will definitely be back.”
Back to the Foodture is located at 2767 E. Carson St.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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