You ever walk into a place and just feel like you’ve been invited to a backyard party you didn’t know was happening? That’s the vibe at The Emeralds Touch BBQ in Columbus, Georgia. Honestly, it’s not just about the meat, though we’ll get to those ribs in a second because they’re legendary. It’s more about how Prathan and Sandy Powell have managed to bottle up a specific kind of Southern hospitality that most big-chain restaurants couldn't replicate if they tried for a hundred years.
Basically, this place started as a labor of love long before it was a business. Prathan was just the guy in the neighborhood who made killer sauce and gave it away for free. Imagine that. Just handing out the "good stuff" at neighborhood cookouts because you love seeing people eat well. His friends finally told him he was crazy if he didn't sell it, and by January 2020—right before the world turned upside down—The Emeralds Touch BBQ food truck was born.
What Really Happened with The Emeralds Touch BBQ Transition
Most businesses that launched in early 2020 didn't make it. The fact that the Powells not only survived but thrived enough to open a brick-and-mortar spot at 5156 River Road tells you everything you need to know about the quality. They officially cut the ribbon on their permanent home on June 1, 2024.
Now, if you go there today, you'll see a space that feels deeply personal. We’re talking worship music, Bible verses on the walls, and a staff that treats every soldier from Fort Moore like family. It’s sort of a "if you know, you know" situation. You’ve probably seen the line. It moves, but people are willing to wait because the food isn't coming out of a microwave. It’s slow-smoked, and you can smell the hickory from the parking lot.
The Menu Items People Actually Care About
Let's talk about the food because that's why we're here. The Rib Dinner is the undisputed heavyweight champion of their menu. It’s three bones, but they aren't those puny, shriveled-up things you get at the grocery store. These are meaty.
- The Ribs: They have that "tug" you want—not mushy, but they definitely pull clean off the bone.
- The Sauce: It’s called the "Everything but Dessert" sauce. It’s homemade, tangy, a little sweet, and basically the reason the restaurant exists in the first place.
- Jamaican Cabbage: This is the sleeper hit. Most BBQ joints do boring slaw. The Emeralds Touch BBQ does a fried cabbage with bacon that has a little kick to it. It’s addictive.
- Sandy’s Mac & Cheese: It’s got that golden crust on top. You know the one. The kind your aunt makes for Thanksgiving that everyone fights over.
They also do these "Ox Tail Bowls" on special occasions. If you see it on the chalkboard, buy it. Don’t think, just buy it. They serve it over a bed of rice, Jamaican cabbage, or that famous mac and cheese. It’s heavy, it’s rich, and it’ll make you want to take a nap immediately after, but it’s worth every calorie.
Why The Emeralds Touch BBQ Still Matters in 2026
In a world where everything is becoming automated and "optimized" by algorithms, a place like this is a breath of fresh air. It’s human. Prathan and Sandy are often right there. They offer a military discount that isn't just a marketing ploy; they genuinely seem to care about the community.
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People get weirdly defensive about their BBQ. You’ve got the North Carolina vinegar crowd, the Kansas City sweet sauce fans, and the Texas brisket purists. The Emeralds Touch BBQ doesn't really try to fit into those boxes. It’s Georgia BBQ with a soul food heart.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
It’s not perfect. No real place is.
Sometimes they run out of stuff. That’s the nature of real BBQ—when the smoker is empty, the kitchen is closed. Their hours can be a bit tight, too. They’re usually closed on Sundays and Mondays, and they often close up by 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM during the week. It’s a lunch and early dinner spot. Don’t show up at 8:00 PM expecting a full rack of ribs, or you’re going to be disappointed and hungry.
Also, the dining space has been a work in progress. For a while, it was mostly takeout or limited seating, but they’ve been expanding into the space next door to give people more room to actually sit down and eat.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you’re planning to check out The Emeralds Touch BBQ, don't just wing it.
First, check their social media or website (etbbq.com) for the daily specials. The ox tails and specific cake flavors—like their red velvet or banana pudding—rotate. If the banana pudding is there, get it. It’s got that real-deal homemade consistency, not the instant box stuff.
Second, get there early. If you arrive at 1:00 PM on a Friday, you’re hitting the peak rush. Try to aim for 11:00 AM if you want the full selection of sides. The Jamaican cabbage goes fast.
Third, don't skip the Brunswick Stew. A lot of people overlook it in favor of the plates, but their stew is thick, packed with meat, and isn't watered down. It’s a meal in itself.
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Finally, if you're feeding a crowd, they do "By The Pound" options for the chopped pork and brisket. It’s way more cost-effective than buying six individual plates if you're just headed back to the house or the office. Grab a pint of the "Everything but Dessert" sauce on your way out—you’ll thank me later when you’re grilling at home and want to pretend you're a pitmaster.
Go support a local business that actually puts the work in. The smoke is real, the hospitality is genuine, and the food speaks for itself.