Ronnie Thomas opening his smoker with fresh smoke rolling out under a blue tent in Lithia, Florida

Ronnie Ron's BBQ

Smoked on site.
Gone by sundown.

Lithia, FishHawk & SouthShore's roadside pit — ribs, chicken, and sides worth the line. We're out back behind Kenny's Liquors.

Text ahead · we’re out back

Text Ahead (727) 674-3567 Get Directions
Pull up
Everything smoked on site fresh 4.7★ from hungry locals Open till sold out Behind Kenny's — we're out back Lithia · FishHawk · SouthShore Text ahead welcome Catering for the whole crew Everything smoked on site fresh 4.7★ from hungry locals Open till sold out Behind Kenny's — we're out back Lithia · FishHawk · SouthShore Text ahead welcome Catering for the whole crew

What keeps the line moving

Three plates. Zero regrets.

Smoked Ribs

Fall-off-the-bone tender with a real smoke bark. The reason people turn around in the parking lot.

Smoked Chicken

Juicy, seasoned, and somehow better than the ribs — which regulars will argue about forever.

Mac & The Sides

Mac that gets called fire. Potato salad people dream about. Beans that convert skeptics.

Ronnie Thomas speaking in front of his smoker during a Tampa Bay 28 news feature Illustrated portrait of Ronnie holding up two racks of ribs over a charcoal grill

The Pitmaster

Meet Ronnie Thomas.

He started smoking roadside during the pandemic — up at 4:30, fire lit, community first. Today Ronnie Ron's BBQ is a Lithia landmark: horns honking, lines forming before noon, and plates that keep FishHawk and SouthShore coming back.

It's always been a family affair — sides from the house, kids at the truck, and a whole neighborhood that shows up for him the way he's shown up for schools, Girl Scout troops, and fundraisers for years.

“I just love it. Love the community… waking up and getting on the grill is probably the best thing I can do.” — Ronnie Thomas, Tampa Bay 28

Lithia looks out for its own

He's shown up for us.
Now we pull up for him.

Ronnie's been there for school dinners, Girl Scout events, and hardworking staff meals when it mattered. After a move behind the building — same address, new spot in the lot — the best thank-you is simple: come eat, tell a friend, and keep this family business smoking.

Place an Order Text the pit

As seen on Tampa Bay 28

Lithia's most loved BBQ.

News feature: why the whole Tampa area points people to Ronnie. Watch on Tampa Bay 28

Word of mouth

4.7 stars. Finger-lickin' loyal.

“Do not be put off by the trailer in the liquor store parking lot — this is the best BBQ I've ever had.”

Renee E.

“Ribs fell off the bone. Mac and cheese was just right. My only regret is that I don't live in Florida.”

Kenneth Carrara

“Let me tell you about the potato salad… probably the best I've ever tasted.”

Dan Lessard

“Absolutely the best BBQ in Lithia and probably all of Florida.”

Robert B.

“His lemonades are SO good — our house was fighting for the last drops!”

Recent guest

“Ronnie is such a wonderful dude and a downright bodacious BBQ cook.”

Steve D.

Good to know

Questions from the line.

Where is Ronnie Ron's BBQ located?

5622 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Lithia, FL 33547 — in the parking lot behind Kenny's Liquors. Look for the red trailer and the smoke. Easy pull-up for FishHawk and SouthShore.

How do I order?

Text ahead at (727) 674-3567 so your plate is waiting, or walk up to the trailer. Food sells out — early birds and texts win.

Do you cater?

Yes — school events, fundraisers, backyard parties, and office lunches. Text (727) 674-3567 or email rontomsoup96@gmail.com to lock in a date.

What are typical hours?

Tuesday 12–5, Wednesday–Thursday 12–6:30, Friday–Saturday 12–7, Sunday 12–6:30, closed Monday — or until sold out. Follow Facebook or Instagram for today's open call.

Pull up

We're out back.

Same address — now in the parking lot behind the building, right behind Kenny's Liquors at 5622 Lithia Pinecrest Rd in Lithia, Florida. Look for the red trailer and the smoke.

5622 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Lithia, FL 33547
Behind Kenny's · Corner of Boyette

Typical hours

  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday12 – 5 PM
  • Wednesday12 – 6:30 PM
  • Thursday12 – 6:30 PM
  • Friday12 – 7 PM
  • Saturday12 – 7 PM
  • Sunday12 – 6:30 PM

Or until sold out — get there early.

Text / Order (727) 674-3567 Open in Maps
The red Ronnie Ron's BBQ trailer with service window open

Feed the crew

Catering that smokes the room.

School events, fundraisers, backyard parties, office lunches — Ronnie Ron's BBQ & Catering brings the pit to you. Text or email to lock in a date.

Text for Catering (727) 674-3567 rontomsoup96@gmail.com