Sizzling Argentine barbecue returns to Hackettstown

A beloved Argentine barbecue restaurant has returned home to Hackettstown.

The Sizzle BBQ, owned by Maria Melendez, officially reopened at 268 Main St. on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

The Sizzle BBQ is a family-owned and run business. It celebrated its sixth year in Hackettstown last year just before closing suddenly for nine months.

The restaurant closed temporarily to mourn the death of a colleague and close friend of the owner Susana Rodriguez in July 2023, a manager confirmed. Then, the Hackettstown location unexpectedly closed again three months afterward for unspecified reasons. It remained closed for about a year while the owners' second location in Newton, New Jersey, continued regular operations.

At Sizzle BBQ, the empanadas aren't just food. They're a journey through time and taste, according to the company's Instagram account.

The restaurant's menu is is comprised of recipes recorded by Melendez's father, like a journal written with food, she said. He mastered the art of making empanadas over 30 years in Argentina and when he died, he left a box filled with recipes and memories— a gift that ignited the spark in María to share their family treasures with everyone, Melendez said.

"With his legacy in hand, we opened our doors in 2017," the family said in a statement. "Infusing each empanada with history and love; these little pockets of joy are more than just a dish; they're a tribute to family, tradition, and unforgettable flavors."