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Sacramento

Sactown Hmong BBQ Opens in South Sacramento

A longtime pop-up barbecue business has transitioned into a permanent brick-and-mortar storefront on Franklin Boulevard.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Barbecue

Screen-print poster illustration of smoked ribs and sausages on a wooden board, reflecting the launch of a new local barbecue restaurant.
Sactown Hmong BBQ has opened a permanent restaurant on Franklin Boulevard in South Sacramento, transitioning from a seven-year pop-up operation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Owner Ger Her has opened Sactown Hmong BBQ at 5824 Franklin Blvd. in South Sacramento. The new restaurant offers a selection of smoked meats and Hmong-inspired dishes to the local community.

Why it matters

The opening marks a major milestone for Ger Her, who spent seven years growing the brand through local pop-up events and catering. It brings a permanent home to a business that previously operated primarily through Facebook Marketplace.

Sactown Hmong BBQ operates in a city with the third-largest Hmong population in the United States. The restaurant serves its menu of grilled meats starting at noon daily until items sell out.

The players

Ger Her

Ger Her is the proprietor of Sactown Hmong BBQ who transitioned from a pop-up business model to a brick-and-mortar establishment.

The details

The restaurant menu features Texas-style ribs, pork belly, grilled chicken, and traditional Hmong sausage. Plans are already underway to expand the offerings to include items such as papaya salad, egg rolls, and a milder version of the establishment's signature kua txob hot sauce.

Timeline

  1. 2019: Owner began honing barbecue craft at home.

  2. October 21, 2026: Sactown Hmong BBQ opened its brick-and-mortar location.

  3. October 21-24, 2026: Soft opening of the restaurant.

Culture Shift

The expansion of Sactown Hmong BBQ follows the growth of Hmong-American cuisine in the Central Valley, reflecting a broader trend of immigrant-owned pop-ups moving into permanent retail spaces. This transition highlights the increasing commercial viability of niche culinary traditions that have found success through social media platforms.

Residents can now visit the new indoor dining space on Franklin Boulevard starting at noon. Because the restaurant serves food until items are sold out, guests are encouraged to arrive early to ensure availability.

The takeaway

Supporting local pop-ups as they make the leap to permanent locations is a primary way to foster neighborhood culinary diversity. Residents should look for future menu additions like winter soup and papaya salad as the restaurant settles into its new routine.

Further reading

For more on local dining, visit the Sacramento Barbecue section.

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Does the opening of unique local restaurants improve your community's identity?