Watertown rib fans have a new barbeque joint to sink their teeth into.

It's located at 1307 State Street and is owned by Travis Gerken.

Appropriately called State Street Barbeque, Travis opened the takeout business a few weeks ago.

"I've wanted to be a self employed business owner for a lot longer than that," he said.

Travis summoned his entrepreneurial spirit and combined his love of business with his love for barbeque food.

He coupled the pair in with a successful idea from a nearby city and created one sweet recipe.

"I've lived in Syracuse for the past few years of my life and I've seen how successful the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que has become and other joints I've visited," he said.

Travis' business has been heating up in the last two weeks.

Customers have been coming in from all over.

"People seem to like it," he said.

It's a tough job - especially when you're the only person running the show.

Travis is the owner, cook and every other position listed on the pay roll.

"It's a lot of work. It's not easy. But I love it. So it's easy to get up in the morning and do it," he said.

He's not sure how long his business will survive especially in this economic climate.

Of course, he's hoping it will last forever so he can continue to fill up the stomachs and souls of north country barbeque fans.