Life’s Flavors ~ Around Town Barbus and Barley By the Oaks Bed and Breakfast
Since April 2025 Barbus and Barley has been focused on providing food for the community with God as the focus. When Joshua first moved to Sulphur Springs to help care for his mother who recently had medical issues, he worked in the hospital’s nutrition department and discovered a need for better quality food for the public.
He started his food truck with the idea of it being Ethnic Fusion, with a rotating menu but has found that his customer base loves the Mediterranean food and has adjusted his menu seasonally. After all, the Mediterranean base lends back towards his roots of Biblical food such as pita, lentils, honey and barely. As a chef with 22 years of experience in the kitchen cooking and teaching he enjoys creating new dishes for his customers and spreading the word of God.
With that being said there is some eduction that goes into Ethic fusion, in the form of the types of dishes that are prepared and the meat used to make them, for example, a gyro. Lamb is not an everyday meat for a majority of people but the gyro is one of his customers favoties. Be brave and try something new, to discover new flavors and combinations. Such as the pear salad that is featured in the fall. New seasonal menu items will be offered soon, as the weather continues to cool down.
Similar to other restaurants, if you know what to ask for you can order from “the secret” menu. A Greek burger or a salmon bowl, served differently than the regular menu item might just hit the spot when you order at the food truck. You can order online through DoorDash, call in orders 903-951-2235, or walk up to order directly. If you have plans to have a large group, call in advance so that your food can be ready. As with all good things, your order might take a little time to prepare so grab a book or head into Deep Routs to pick up your coffee.
His partnership with Deep Routes allows him to better support the community with endeavors to give back in those in need. Both businesses plan to help distribute clothing and food to those who are disadvantaged, some time in the future. He is also participating in the “Be the Service’ that was started by The Way Bible Church, providing food for the volunteers. Joshua stated “Man shall not live on bread alone but every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God” and he plans to continue his good work via each customer who visit his food truck.
Be sure to stop by soon to enjoy the delicious food he is cooking up, and experience the start to an Ethnic Fusion change that is slowly taking hold of Sulphur Springs. If you have a special event coming up soon, reach out for catering needs as well.
By Allison Libby-Thesing
