Tag Archives: OWENSBORO, Ky.

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn Named One of America’s Five Most Iconic Buffets by Fox News

OWENSBORO, Ky., Jan. 30, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn has been recognized as one of America’s five most iconic buffets in a recent Fox News feature highlighting the nation’s premier all-you-can-eat dining destinations. The family-owned restaurant joins an elite group that includes renowned establishments from Las Vegas, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Rhode Island.

Enjoy a little BBQ Magic at the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn
Photo Caption: Enjoy a little BBQ Magic at the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn.

The Fox News article places Moonlite alongside such celebrated venues as Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and Shady Maple Smorgasbord in Pennsylvania, praising the Owensboro institution for its slow-cooked barbecued mutton and deep-rooted Western Kentucky tradition.

Operating since 1963, Moonlite has earned widespread acclaim for its signature mutton preparation, which takes 15 hours to slow-smoke over hickory wood. The regional specialty has helped establish Owensboro as a barbecue destination and showcases the unique culinary heritage of Western Kentucky.

“At Moonlite, we’re a buffet for everyone. You’ll find farmers sitting next to teachers, coal miners alongside congressmen, and millionaires breaking bread with their neighbors. That’s what real community looks like,” Patrick Bosley, co-owner, Moonlite Bar-B-Que, says.

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn Named One of America's Five Most Iconic Buffets by Fox News
Photo caption: Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn Named One of America’s Five Most Iconic Buffets.

This recognition comes on the heels of additional national attention, with “Family Destinations Guide” declaring Moonlite “so good, it’s worth a road trip” in their recent feature. The publication praised the restaurant’s extensive buffet, traditional Kentucky recipes including burgoo, and the family’s dedication to maintaining quality standards over six decades of operation.

“We pride ourselves on remaining authentic. In a world that’s always chasing the next trend, we’re committed to the traditions that have made us who we are for generations,” Bosley says.

The Bosley family, which has owned and operated Moonlite since its founding by Hugh and Catherine Bosley, continues to uphold the traditions that have made the restaurant a beloved institution. What began as a modest 30-seat operation has grown into a destination capable of serving hundreds of guests while maintaining the personal touch and commitment to excellence that built its reputation.

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn is a family-owned restaurant in Owensboro, Kentucky
Photo caption: Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn is a family-owned restaurant in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Moonlite’s buffet features an array of smoked meats including the signature mutton, pork, ribs, and chicken, complemented by traditional Southern sides such as creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, baked beans studded with barbecue and fresh cornbread. The restaurant’s distinctive “dip” — a vinegar-based sauce used to baste meats during smoking — has become legendary in its own right.

“In an age of fast food, Moonlite stands out because we still cook—real food, made the way grandma used to make it. There’s no shortcut to quality, and there never will be,” Bosley says.

ABOUT MOONLITE BAR-B-Q INN

Established in 1963, Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn is a family-owned restaurant in Owensboro, Kentucky, renowned for its traditional Western Kentucky barbecue and legendary buffet. Specializing in slow-smoked mutton—a regional delicacy—Moonlite has become a culinary destination for barbecue enthusiasts nationwide while maintaining its commitment to affordable, quality dining for all guests.

Located at 2840 W Parrish Ave in Owensboro, Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn serves lunch and dinner daily, offering both buffet and à la carte options. The restaurant also ships its signature sauces and products nationwide.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit: https://www.moonlite.com

MULTIMEDIA

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0130-s2p-mbbqfood-300dpi.webp

Photo Caption: Enjoy a little BBQ Magic at the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn.

NEWS SOURCE: Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn


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Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn Selected to Showcase in Southern Food and Beverage Museum

Pappy's butcher knife

OWENSBORO, Ky., April 27, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn was recently selected to be part of a permanent exhibit, Trail of Smoke and Fire, in the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in New Orleans. Pappy Bosley's cleaver and butcher knife, and an original menu from 1963-1965 accompanied by historical photos will be part of the installation.

The Bosley family has owned the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn for more than 50 years.

"We are the state's authority, and will continue to advise the museum and help develop the Kentucky exhibit," Patrick Bosley, a manager of the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn and also the youngest grandson of Pappy, says.

So, exactly what makes these selected pieces museum quality? The cleaver and butcher knife were wielded by Pappy from 1963 through 2013. It is conservatively estimated that he butchered nearly a quarter million mutton carcasses, helping to build the Inn's reputation for serving the best barbecued mutton in Kentucky, and perhaps the nation.

In fact, one of the most iconic meals one could order from the menu was the Mutton BBQ sandwich and a bowl of Burgoo, a traditional stew that has been the backbone of Kentucky food for the last 150 years.

Additionally, prior to World War II, the knives were forged from American virgin steel cutlery by The Village Blacksmith Company and serve as fine examples of the skilled craftsmanship occurring during that era.

Bosley is thrilled that the director of the International Barbecue Association connected them with the museum's curator, Steven Raichlen.

"The rest is history, and one that will now be well preserved," Bosley says.

About Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn:

Over the last 50-plus years, the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn has remained a family-owned and run business. Multiple generations continue to work together to keep things going and growing. What started as a roadside retreat of 30 seats, now boasts a staff of more than 120, 350 seats, a USDA-inspected processing plant, and an extensive catering and wholesale division.

For more information, visit: http://www.Moonlite.com/.

About the Southern Food and Beverage Museum:

The Southern Food and Beverage Museum is a nonprofit living history organization dedicated to the discovery, understanding and celebration of the food, drink and related culture of the South. It first opened its doors in 2008 and has recently relocated to accommodate its growth.

For more information, visit: http://www.southernfood.org/.

Photos for media:
* Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0427-pappy-cleaver-300dpi.jpg
* Caption: Pappy's butcher knife and cleaver.

* Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0427-pappy-teaching-300dpi.jpg
* Caption: Pappy teaches the next generation.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/moonlite-bar-b-q-inn-selected-to-showcase-in-southern-food-and-beverage-museum-2015-0427-03.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Over 1.25 Million Pounds of Trash Recycled by Greener Owensboro Recycling

GO Recycling

OWENSBORO, Ky., Aug. 6, 2013 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Greener Owensboro Recycling celebrates their 3rd year of business with over 1,250,000 pounds of recycled waste collected. Starting with a few neighborhood homes and a small truck and trailer in July 2010, GO Recycling has grown to now serving over 1,000 residential and business customers in Daviess County and Owensboro Kentucky.

"It is great so many people in our community are dedicated to saving the earth's natural resources and reducing the foot print they leave on the planet. 1,250,000 pounds ultimately equals lots of trees, water, and other valuable resources. Many people do not realize the positive financial impact recycling provides as well. It is much cheaper to recycle plastic bottles than it is to make them from scratch," said John Fentress, owner of GO Recycling.

GO Recycling is also growing and gaining efficiencies in its own operations. Due to advances in sorting technologies at recycling centers, customers no longer need to separate their materials. This technology saves both GO Recycling and their customers lots of time and effort. "Customers simply throw all their recyclables in one bin or totter and the machines handle the separation," said Fentress.

In late July GO Recycling added a new truck for collection with separated bins allowing recycling and other waste materials to be picked up at the same time by the same truck. This provides greater efficiencies and ultimately reduces their own footprint on the environment. "Not only does it help us reduce our business footprint, but it also helps us be competitive on pricing as well," said Fentress.

Another step Go Recycling has made to increase efficiencies is launching a full service website at http://saveowensboro.com/ . Both residential and business customers can now learn more about services, determine items available for recycling and residential customers can sign up and manage their accounts online. "We wanted to make our services as accessible as possible and we hope in time to reduce our paper billings as well," said Fentress. Go Recycling customers can currently pay by credit card and PayPal through the website.

Full waste management services are available for Daviess County residents only. For residents of the city of Owensboro, GO Recycling provides recycling services on the same days as normal trash pick-up.

"As people learn more about the benefits of recycling and the impact it can have both in terms of resources and financial savings, we expect the number of households recycling to grow," said Fentress.

Customers interested in recycling and its advantages for our resources and environment are encouraged to visit http://saveowensboro.com/ .

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NEWS SOURCE Greener Owensboro Recycling :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2013 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.