About Us
BORN IN BURMA. SMOKED IN OJAI.
We believe food is the universal language of soul. At Joplin’s, we don’t just smoke meat; we bridge worlds. We’ve taken the deep, aromatic traditions of Burmese spices and collided them with the low-and-slow grit of Texas smoke. No shortcuts. No compromises. Just honest food, local wood, and a rock-and-roll heart.
The JOplin’s way
We don't fuss with the meat; we respect it. Our process begins with all-natural meats sourced from Motley Crew Ranch and seasonal produce from Darby’s Farm, The Garden Of.. and John Givens Farm.
We cook the old-school way—with plenty of wood and time. By blending American barbecue techniques with the bold spices of Chef Saw’s Burmese upbringing, we’ve created a marriage of flavor that is uniquely its own. It’s tradition, given a new, irreverent life.
MEET CHEF SAW
From the World’s Finest Kitchens to the Ojai Pits.
Before he was a master of the pit, Saw was the lead singer of a rock band called Name, in Burma. That same passion he poured into his music, he channeled into a decade-long culinary journey through some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world—including The French Laundry, Bouchon, Cafe Pinot, Ysabel, and Tallula’s.
While Saw remains the Chef and Partner at Ojai’s acclaimed The Dutchess, Joplin’s is his personal anthem—a truly independent venture built from the ground up with his wife, Brittany.
An independent spirit
Joplin’s wasn’t born in a boardroom—it was born from a dream shared between Saw and Brittany. After years of navigating the elite Los Angeles food scene, they seized the chance to create something entirely their own.
Together, they’ve poured their history into every corner of this restaurant. They painted one dining room green like their first apartment and another yellow like their wedding cake. The red chairs are an homage to Brittany’s wedding dress, and the name Joplin’s honors the joy and rebellion of their beloved dog.
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY.
The food is a celebration of our neighbors. We source our meat locally from Motley Crew Ranch in Buellton and our produce from Darby’s Farm in Carpinteria and John Givens Farm in Goleta. Every dish is crafted with the same integrity and "Low and Slow" technique that Saw perfected over a career spent at the pinnacle of fine dining.
THE SPIRIT OF THE HOUSE
In the quiet, tender moments of 2020, we adopted a dog named Joplin. She became our first child and the namesake of this restaurant. She reminds us every day that the best meals are the ones shared with family—four-legged members included.
join the family
No Reservations. No Pretense. Just BBQ.
Whether you’re here for the legendary brisket, a taste of Saw’s Burmese heritage, or just to soak in the rock-and-roll vibes of the dining room—there’s a seat at the table for you.
Come sit with us. Every plate is a story, every song is a memory, and every meal is a celebration of the irreverent spirit that fuels Joplin’s.