Having a passion for something and the skills to match is a pretty good recipe for success. It’s the recipe Bradley Johnson followed when putting together the wildly popular Cowtown Beef Shack. “When you’re creating something like this it starts with passion,” says Bradley. “Passion is what creates the initial drive to do it. You have to ask yourself if it fits in the marketplace, if there is a demand for it and if you have the confidence to pull the trigger.”
Bradley opened his first Cowtown Beef Shack in 2009 on MacLeod Trail and in 2014 moved in to a bigger location on Mackenzie Towne Gate. In addition to the restaurant proper, Bradley has also expanded the popular catering arm of the business as demand for his food continues to grow. Through it all, Bradley has maintained focus on his philosophy: “It’s all about food quality,” he says. “I knew what I wanted to do and I knew what it would take to get here.”
The best-known barbecue meal in Alberta is beef on a bun. The folks at Cowtown Beef Shack stuffs their crusty bread with the finest triple-A Alberta beef. Sandwich selections include straight-up barbecue beef, beef with cheddar, smoked pulled pork and beef dip. Always ask for the side of slaw.