New Jersey’s Secret Backyard BBQ

Pitmaster Hery Acosta loves smoking meats. So much so, he serves 50-60 people his famous BBQ every Sunday - and it's all done on a first-come, first-serve basis from his parent's backyard.
During the weekdays, Acosta works as a school custodian. Instead of relaxing on his weekends off, he's pulling all-nighters cooking to share his labor of love with his community.
We trailed Acosta, owner of "Tio Rozay's BBQ," for a weekend in North Bergen, NJ, to see why crowds are flocking to get a taste of his pulled pork, ribs, sausage, chicken wings, and delicious sides.
His customers vary, from consistent, weekly patrons to new faces that were told to go there by friends or friends-of-friends - Acosta doesn't advertise.
Confused first-time customers used to circle Acosta's parents' block a few times to check if they'd somehow passed a restaurant after the address they put into their GPS brought them to a residential area. Now, his father sits out front to flag new faces and tell them they've come to the right place.
Watch Acosta prep, talk about his story, and explain how he got his love for BBQ.
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[@Littlestraincloud]

Mad respect not just for him being a pitmaster, but also a school custodian. I always salute our cleanliness troops. This guy feeds his neighbourhood and makes sure the kids are safe!

[@HARVEY_1988]

Yes indeed 👍🏾👍🏾

[@rexorotten9262]

Damn right, every job is important. Especially when it provides for your family.

[@AL__EX]

i don't remember any of my teachers' names, but I remember Rob, the custodian. he was such a character and lovely fella.

[@goduson8742]

@@AL__EX I Remember my custodians to they where so down to EARTH TAUGHT ME A LOT

[@sroc2766]

Facts

[@carlsagan2607]

Ain’t nothing to be ashamed of about being a custodian sir. I commend you for what you do for the community.

[@dave21802180]

Taking care of the community Monday-Friday. Taking care of the community Sunday. This man has a real purpose. Role model.

[@demcanes01]

People don’t even know the benefits that come for being a custodian in public schools ! My mom was a custodian retired now with a pension after 25 years being a custodian at a public school

[@mobbinkorrectly]

@@demcanes01 facts bro I’m custodian at college and these benefits I have my grandpa would always tell me those are the old school benefits. People don’t get it that good these days. The benefits comes in clutch literally. Plus I’m union as well

[@theoeguia3302]

Carl Sagan...why don't you believe in Aliens?

[@Tiorozaysbbq]

Thank you very much for all the love

[@uranomichiaruki1]

The fact that he’s proud of his work as a custodian is so inspiring, this guys got his eye on the prize

[@mustbemeech]

I learned a lot from it.. all about perspective!

[@juanshaftpatel7488]

thats so sad

[@Cynsham]

Janitors and garbage men are essential personnel to our modern society, they work the thankless jobs that only get noticed when they don't get done.

[@ZipperLQW]

This place is less than 15 minutes away and never knew about it but after this episode I think people gonna be camping outside his house at this point. Bet he gets his own restaurant soon enough with his industrial equipment. Wishing him and his family the best of success!!

[@Tiorozaysbbq]

Thank you

[@brianwilkins3247]

Fr fr this in union city basically, I used to walk past that house everyday I never knew they had crazy good barbecue like that till this video damm

[@LorJoker]

🤣🤣🤣 Gone be looking like a whole block party!

[@shanrenee2908]

In Jesus name I pray he does he deserves it!

[@jussme8820]

Business like these usually don’t succeed when they go brick and mortar for the simple fact that RENT is outrageous

[@Fever0788]

Major respect to his work ethic, you can tell he's passionate about this.

[@frankreyes5570]

And the sister

[@Red_Eyed]

Word. Hope homie can quit the business week job for this. Shit look fire.

[@LorJoker]

Just wait till he get his own restaurant started up! 👀👀🙌🏽 The food looks good as a mug!!

[@bdr5150]

@@Red_Eyed hell yea it does bro! Just watched this again and damn that pulled pork, brisket, and ribs look slammin! Im like 2.5 hours south and Id make that drive up there on a Sunday for sure bro! Awesome food is always worth a drive!

[@Chiggianya]

As a fellow custodian, mad respect to you! Stay blessed!

[@toastmalone8875]

Mad respect to you too. Ya'll are the real MVP's.

[@terpz47]

Not a janitor, a custodian.

[@lop6470]

@@terpz47 literally the same crap

[@jeffbezos6748]

@@lop6470 not really, a janitor is usually someone who works at full time at night to deep clean the place... a custodian is usually full time during the day which is keeping the place sanitized after each lunch, meeting, etc

[@hurtswhenitrains]

@@jeffbezos6748 literally some shit you just made up lol they're synonymous

[@trashpanda2312]

you are passing your work ethic down to your kids, one of the greatest life lessons a parent can give.

[@Professional_Lube_Job]

Yes wir

[@tobiramasenju5878]

That's some heavy game right there. Passing down work ethic and true morals and integrity is the most powerful thing

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

yea, teaching them to work harder instead of smarter...perfect logic. 🙄

[@loudroomcontroversial]

What's the work ethic? A deadbeat working as a custodian living wit his parents? You could say he is teaching his kids to always be with family and work hard.

[@NathanHarrison7]

Thanks to Vice for bringing this gem to us! And for making the line 1/2 mile longer!

[@blazedxjan]

I respect the hustle and dedication. I love the pride he has about his craft. Jersey always up.

[@user-fm3vo1qj3q]

This is so heartwarming and wholesome. I hope this guy gets a bigger opportunity.

[@LorJoker]

He definitely will just give it time and especially after this vid plus with work ethic, dedication and passion. Plus the food looks good as a mug! and must be A1 if he be having people lining up like that in his backyard 😆

[@apeshitclothing]

@@LorJoker 💯

[@keffydon6233]

He will, trust me.

[@moose6790]

not only do I respect the hell out of this guy for all the work he puts in, but that brisket looks so damn good

[@elidagdagan2780]

The passion and hard work this guy puts into his barbecue is the best part

[@WesleySnipesNeck]

Legit smoke ring and juicy as hell. You don’t learn that overnight

[@JohnHernandez-mo5db]

he gave away his secret ingredient. never seen anyone put lawrys seasoned salt on a brisket, thats def the game changer

[@adrianwhite4498]

@@JohnHernandez-mo5db Mannn everyone know about that Lawry’s

[@NeverlandAdventurerz]

Taking pride in both his custodian job and his pit master job. A true gentleman making the most of all his circumstances!

[@HealthyBearded]

I’m happy for this brother , he about to blow up with this type of exposure. God Bless.

[@nickcody1161]

That sampler platter looks next level, no skimping on quantity or flavor 10/10

[@dabrattv5812]

i love that he pointed out that he asked his friend for help. We love a humble king !!

[@_CHaluPY]

respect to not only him, but his family for supporting him and his passion 💯

[@Tiorozaysbbq]

Appreciate it

[@JooJoo-uz2wc]

Man this brought a tear he reminds me so much of my best friends dad. He was as cool and had a similar mood to him. He also did catering but tacos and Mexican dishes but man I miss him and all the parties I got to go because he let me help him from time to time. I won't forget the lessons he taught me but more importantly he will always be remembered and thanks for reminding me so much of him

[@Tiorozaysbbq]

Shout out 2 your best friends dad nd thanks for the kind words appreciate u

[@teafoster5643]

He had to have been a great man and still is because his memory lives with you. Hope you and your best friend have many more yrs and great talks of his dad.

[@itsyaboiiraf]

ur welcome bro

[@LtBootyBreaker]

Rozay owe me $45 for that 8 ball of coke he ain’t mention that tho I know he got revenue from this video he better pay me my fucking money

[@debbalinis]

A full-time job and doing this part-time as a passion. This man is amazing and such an inspiration to follow your dreams no matter what.

[@blacklatin11]

This is one of those true American stories. A man of cleanliness and protector of children as well as his own and a man following his heart. Wishing him the success. I'm rooting for you champ.

[@Tiorozaysbbq]

Thank you very much

[@KM-cm1jp]

This is a real man right here, just an ordinary guy with real talent, not some kid dancing around on TikTok.

[@reidorlando9658]

Man what a story. This guy is incredible. I live up the street and I never knew this existed. What an inspiration I hope he gets his own food truck soon

[@loganhercus3772]

Man being the difference he wants to see in the community. So much respect

[@Ti5qu4ntum]

This has to be one of The Most American True Grit stories I have ever seen. The whole family are beautiful characters contributing to his passion and that makes it souch worth it. Looking forward to visit and for his endless success. 🙌🏼💪🏼🗽🇺🇸🦅

[@user-rn4tt9gw2p]

Coming from this 36 yr old trucker…also a rookie this year on my way to my 1st year…was homeless still am but living off my semi and can relate to the hard work it takes to make you’re dream come true…truly their is no one that can give you flowers for that but yourself…straight up…brisket looks bomb rn lol…props!!!!!!

[@Fuhrious]

North Bergen? Joey Diaz used to cop abaggablow down the street from this place and stop and get THA BEST BARBAQUE EVA from this spot. Oh my God Joe Rogan, it was the best.

[@chiarosuburekeni9325]

As long as it wasn't in Moonachie where everyone is ugly and has big heads

[@twomasta]

He's not jumping up and down to stand in a line for 4 hours like a gentile for puerto rican brisket.

[@taccosnachos]

TREMENDOUS

[@NiceGuyAndyPodcast]

Coco fucking Diaz

[@carlson2012abqb]

I used to be a custodian from ages 19-24 and getting up to do that job was HARD so I salute this brother for doing 2 jobs and being so passionate about it. That’s awesome bro 👏🏾👏🏾

[@Tiorozaysbbq]

Appreciate it , it's not easy but nothing worth it ever is

[@Mekuuh]

A good job, a family, and a nice positive side hustle. Mad respect! Keep doing what you’re doing we need more people like you in all of our communities

[@TaRonThomasTv]

I love New Jersey. I started my hustle in New York and transitioned to New Jersey meeting many wonderful people. And most of it was through food. I bet his food is slammin. I gotta get there & try it. Go for your dreams guys. It’s never too late. Blessings 💯💯💯

[@lucasfisher4923]

This is fucking awesome. Janitor during the week. Cooking his ass off on the weekend. Humble hustling. Love it.

[@Screwdriver346]

It’s great that his family pitched in for his drives and passions.

[@antikoerper256]

As an eastern european I very well know why Thanksgiving which was last week, is such an honorable and important holiday. We in Europe should have one too and it's absolutely disappointing how few people here realize this. This video proves why giving thanks is important - thanks that we are alive, that we enjoy cooking eating, living, as life is wonderful! Huge respect to the person in this vid and love to all you yanks! Stay well and keep being thankful! From your humble NATO ally - Bulgaria (Eastern Europe)

[@julianhatlevig7304]

Yeah! Bulgaria! здрасти from Arizona USA

[@Handkeliw]

Ah

[@truthtorpedo4068]

Nope! Please research what Thanksgiving means. At least for the Native ppl?

[@jmw102693]

It's not just a story about food, but also about family, personal growth, community service, and the overcoming of what the average person would call hardships. Nothing but respect, and I can't wait to visit back home to Jersey and come show some love 💪🏾💯

[@matthewradcliff5335]

Dude seems like he deserves all the success in the world. Im with you brother, keep on grinding! Food looks killer!

[@Juanps32627]

Grew up in Guttenberg, which is the town next over. However went to North Bergen High School and it makes me so happy to see my beloved town getting recognition. Thank you brother for making us proud, definitely passing by soon ✊🏼

[@rolandomota1811]

Back yard BBQ is always the best . The customers are getting authentic food always

[@mgrandison1]

Next level, family, much respect! Love this story.

[@theathjr]

This is what America is ALL ABOUT !!! Mad Props to you and your family. Great job. I wish you much success

[@marianoortega6725]

@@Aksfsc 😬 Americans don't wanna hear that and I'm American lol.

[@algenispolanco9765]

That’s what I call self made.!! And family support. Love to see it 🔥🔥🔥

[@seankennedy2583]

The world need this man and his family. Thanks Munchies for shinning a light on this amazing pit master talent.

[@martybaIIer]

This guy deserves all the success coming. He's got a lot of heart and passion. Hearing him talk about nobody else doing this makes me wanna root for him. Good luck to you sir

[@julieyecora2197]

I live like two blocks away from this guy. Had no idea he had a feast like this. Very impressive, so gonna go to his barbecues !!

[@lilaNilla]

Enjoy! It looks bomb😭

[@videffectshd6800]

O

[@christinevinces7233]

Send the address out please….

[@chiefsfan211]

Address I’m in jersey born and raise lol

[@devenperez5954]

He will probably be sold out by time you get around the first block lol lucky you 🤣

[@shonuff9181]

This man has such a huge future ahead of him, I have no doubt he will have his own full-scale bbq joint one day and he'll be employing other pitmasters. Go head king

[@Caleyfan86]

Man so much respect! You are getting it, it must be so tough to cook in the home. What a family mission. The love is strong! Best ingredient in food! ✊🏽✊🏽

[@johnnygarcia33133]

This guy is the man. I wish him a lot of success and that his business grows. Why do you need to win the power ball when you have passion like that. That is the real treasure.

[@mackmillzacgz]

working together as a family...thats why this man is gonna go far. respect!

[@chitala383]

Amazing. I've been working in Hudson county for over 16 years now and I never knew this place existed. Granted I'm not normally around the area on a Sunday but now I might have to make it a point to be. I also have a passion for cooking and BBQ and would love to open my own place or truck one day. Good for you for making your dream a reality. The life you live is an inspiration for everyone who shares the same dream.

[@whitematthew79]

Shout out to him!!!! Thats a good way to bring the community together. We need more of this!!!

[@travisalexphoto]

I have mad respect and love for this grind and hustle where people are just making it work like this dude. Simple is always better, and why worry about all the overhead and expensive additions when you can do what you love with the people you love? If he ever sees this: Keep going man. We need more people and small businesses like you.

[@tylerk7577]

Nothing but respect for this man's work ethic and doing something positive for himself and his community

[@ADayInTheLifeOfJames]

I’m with you keep doing your thing king; much love from Australia 🇦🇺

[@raypagano3684]

with his confidence, passion, and skill, he will go a long way!

[@Helmet298]

I grew up in midtown North Bergen. So amazing to see great things happening in my old neighborhood! I will definitely be making a trip back to check this place out!

[@DemarrcoSmith]

This is why it needs to be resources for this brother to follow his passion without going into debt!

[@alphahoss1947]

Start up a gofundme for him and post the link to this video.

[@vyros.3234]

Money always has strings attached to it sadly. That's just the way things work and thats how they have worked since the invention of currency.

[@kutzqbbq1804]

I did this 5 years ago. Built a clientele and saved. And bought my food truck with the money I saved. Things are given they are earned. If he does it right he will be there. Smoke on

[@DemarrcoSmith]

@@kutzqbbq1804 I feel you! Financial resources is one type of resource, but the FREE exposure this brother has received from VICE, can’t compare to what it would cost for a marketing campaign on a start up. VICE has helped small startups for years now! Kudos to them!

[@Tiorozaysbbq]

@@alphahoss1947 that would be awesome but i wouldn't start it for myself tbh but if someone else did I would be truly grateful

[@Cayyfitness]

Blessing, Nothing but blessings coming his way. New restaurant on the way❤️

[@dueceduck3608]

glad to see this man turn is life around and better yet, finding passion in life. Keep the grill burning and accomplish your dream. This man needs a brick and mortar one stop shop though. Love it!

[@davidjaslow6458]

I grew up on 40th and Liberty. I have to get back up there to try your Que. Making food at your house for sale is a North Bergen Tradition . In the 70’s this guy Walt used to make The Best Homemade Ice Cream in his Garage and used to sell to the neighbors. I have never had a better Cherry Vanilla Cone in my life. He was on Durham Ave. and 43rd St around the corner from you. Good Luck, I wish you the best. Dave Jaslow

[@darthyves]

Get my man a storefront immediately! All love and respect my dude..

[@bababooey7126]

I bet his neighbors are always coming over. Great young man, he will go far in life with his ambition.

[@Regular-Sized]

Building and maintaining local communities in the simplest ways possible. Beautiful.

[@arcadiapermaculture974]

"I don't have the luxury of being tired" - words to live by.

[@michaelolson571]

This guy is the man. He takes pride in everything that he does and he does it well.

[@clairet8810]

We having nothing like this in the uk. The food looks amazing!! 👌

[@rockofeler1982]

The man open a MODELO. RESPECT SEÑOR. QUE DIOS lo Bendiga

[@SwaggerBoyGz]

BEST BBQ IN JERSEY HANDS DOWN NO CAP TIO ROSAY SEES ME EVERY SUNDAY 🔥🔥🔥🔥 SEE U THERE GUYS ‼️

[@RedPandaMafia]

Found this man off of instagram and had to try it for myself…dude does not disappoint!

[@giuseppedambrosio648]

Much respect for him and his family! Keep grinding brother God bless

[@mariadeguzman977]

He is so right! They not doing what he's doing. The best thing you can do for yourself when you're a small business is to remain different and sometimes that's just in the DNA. I love seeing and hearing POC win! Keep going my guy!! The food looks amazing.

[@ItsWhittt]

Videos like this make you think "man I gotta get off my ASS!" What a great story, rooting for the whole family!

[@mr.81gtx46]

Hell Yea Facts!!!

[@goduson8742]

ACTUAL FACTZ

[@pulse-tv2644]

I just said this!!!! 🙌🏼🤌🏼

[@TheHiddenVoicex]

Exactly what I was thinking let’s get it!

[@supreme8610]

Dude definitely deserves a restaurant or even a food truck. Hat of to him man.

[@Tiorozaysbbq]

Imma keep grinding till I get it

[@JoeyAfrika]

I'm working class and proud too! The man who cleans the school is just as important as the teacher

[@leea1988]

That food looks absolutely delicious! Respect to this man and his family for their hard work

[@eddiewramos]

Incredible! I love when people do this kind of stuff. You don’t need a restaurant you just need some dope food in your neighborhood

[@personanon-grata]

This is how you build an empire from scratch! Dude improvised with what he has. Works at his parents house and lives in the basement but he is earning his keep genuinely. Probably didn’t take loans or in debt with anyone. He just used what was available to him. I hope he becomes extremely successful and a source of inspiration to many people.

[@davetate1155]

I have a lot of respect for this man, hard working, and passionate about what he does. I wish him nothing but the best for his business and I hope he reaches those goals.

[@lisaparadise682]

His food was as good as it looks, can’t say enough good things 🖤

[@moisesburgos330]

Amazing BBQ and great experience. The brisket is one of the best I’ve ever had. The ribs are so tender and juicy. A new innovative flavor in Smoke BBQ.

[@teafoster5643]

Take your ass back Sunday at 245 to get my plate and overnight it to me😂😂😂 I'll pay for some good homemade food. BBQ is my WEAKNESS.

[@DonPinochi]

Nothing but love & respect. Found what you loved, pursued it & made it happened! Man I'm already knowing the BBQ smacking for reals!!!

[@DanHeinrich-rg2hq]

Love that this guy is doing work on masterbuilt gravity smokers! That’s amazing considering everyone thinks you need a $15k custom to do this type of work and this dude is just making good food people like on a couple units you can pick up from cabelas

[@alphacause]

Thank you Vice for featuring small business owners like Henry Acosta! While its nice to see features about Michelin Star restaurants and James Beard awarded chefs, who own multi-million dollar establishments, the sheer grit and determination of people like Mr. Acosta, who come from modest means, are the most inspiring stories. The fact that this man can do so much with so little, is a testament to the prodigious creativity of the human mind.

[@willsi]

Mad respect on that initial mustard layer. "If ya don't know, now ya know..."

[@Nothing-zw3yd]

Hell yeah. And the awesome thing about it is that you can't really taste the mustard when it's done, it melts into the other flavors perfectly. One of those things where you can't really taste it, but you'd know if it was missing.

[@TB-jk7hq]

Yeah he got some real grill master knowledge using that mustard as a binder for the dry rub is good technique for smoking meats.

[@CFMeGroup]

Absolutely love this story. I will definitely visit them. Theres a couple in Englewood NJ making burgers literally same way. Word of mouth and lots of love. Holy Grail Burgers its called. Love it when people make great things out of difficult situations. Keep pushing!

[@Tiorozaysbbq]

Gotta go check them our spread the love

[@adventurefaps9571]

smoking/bbqing aint easy, easpecially as a second job on the weekend! mad respect

[@charliebigbear1630]

I always have respect and love for anybody who dedicates themselves to damn good barbecue

[@publicenemy201]

Great memories in that back yard 😂😂😂

[@ChiefKillaCue]

Awesome story man. I love how he’s got his whole family working with him and they’re all about it! Much respect!

[@wherescaleb8793]

This young man was raised the right way and it shows.

[@siremet1009]

This is what you call inspiration and motivation for someone who's business minded and has an entrepreneurial spirit.

[@samuel_m.c.1163]

I’m really happy for you my guy! This is awesome! Keep doing your thing! 🙏

[@tiffanythompson5072]

His passion is so dope. I love that his family helps him with this. Everything loos really good. I admire that he takes pride in both jobs he has. Keep up the good work. I need to make it to this back yard BBQ lol

[@paulsuh77]

One of the best videos. Humble and passionate. Reaches out to the masses. Thanks

[@yasey908]

Jerseyyyyy!!!! In the building!

[@babe9334]

He said he was always fighting as a kid... Now your food be punching people in the mouth. Love from Michigan ❤

[@sheblazin6217]

Bro God bless you … your such a inspiration just seeing you trying and the space is great

[@AlexGarcia-de8ts]

Amazing food! Better people! One of a kind who pours everything into it

[@Tiorozaysbbq]

Thank you very much

[@moto3463]

So awesome family working together and the food looks amazing. Nothing but love and respect

[@margiesbeauty]

This is truly a great blessing!!!!! I respect that

[@anthonyware7452]

Respect my brother!! You are answering your calling and doing what you do out of the love you have for it and the love you get back from people enjoying what you put out. I understand, because I do pretty much the same down in South Jersey. So you keep holding it down up North and Big Tone's BBQ will hold it down in the South. You are much younger than me, I got a late start, but maybe we can share info in the future. All the best to you my young brother and may God bless you and your family.

[@agustinduran4506]

He’s literally right around my corner! I finally found the answer to why my block always smells so amazing 🤤

[@stephen129]

Serious respect for this guy.

[@amoose1709]

I think after this story his business will blow up and he can do it full time thanks Vice for helping out a hardworking person