Code 1 BBQ
About
Code 1 BBQ is a Texas-style barbecue restaurant and caterer in Wilmington, run as a veteran-owned, women-run, family-operated business. Its name comes from an Air Force term for an aircraft returning with no damage, which here means leaving without hunger. The kitchen slow-smokes brisket and ribs and makes its sides and sauces from scratch, and the menu features gluten-free options so everyone can enjoy the food.
Husband-and-wife owners Sean and Erica launched it in 2021. Sean is an Air Force veteran and former HVAC manager, while Erica, who attended culinary school, is an author, podcaster and keynote speaker with food allergies of her own. They began catering from a shared commercial kitchen and popping up at markets and breweries, opened a limited-seating takeout space in 2023, and in 2025 moved into a full-service restaurant with more than 80 seats. Burgers, hand-cut fries and weekly specials round out the menu.
What to Know
- Live music plays every Friday and Saturday night.
- The restaurant serves beer, wine and canned cocktails for dine-in guests.
- Catering and full-service event planning are available.
- The team hosts pop-ups, festival appearances and hands-on BBQ classes.
- Online ordering is available.
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