By Tim Moran
Beverly/Morgan Park residents soon won’t have to leave the neighborhood for the chance to taste authentic Texas-style barbecue.
Sanders BBQ Supply Co. is eyeing an October or November opening at the former Pizzeria Deepo location at 1742 W. 99th Street.
Owner James Sanders said, “I felt like the neighborhood needed something like this. I wanted to do something non-traditional, and stylish, so this place will be somewhere you can go on a date and have a really good time.”
Sanders is a chef by trade, and opening a barbecue joint has been something he’s wanted to pursue for the past decade-plus. When Pizzeria Deepo recently closed its doors, he knew right away that would be the ideal spot to implement his vision.
“It all happened organically,” Sanders said. “I had been trying to reach the landlord forever, and then finally got connected through the owner of Afro Joe’s (Coffee Shop) and the Pizzeria Deepo owner.
It’s not the first time Sanders has owned a restaurant, having operated various franchises in the Chicago area and Southern Illinois, where he originally hails from. He’s also owned a catering company for the past 10 years.
Expect the usual craft barbecue favorites at the new restaurant when it opens this fall. Included on the menu will be pulled pork, brisket, beef ribs and sausages that will be made in-house.
“It will be like an open kitchen concept,” Sanders said. “Like a ‘farm to table,’ we’ll work with local farmers and meat distributors as well.”
For Sanders, preparing for the restaurant’s opening has been a “labor of love.”
“The community has been great in anticipating this so much,” he said. “Mary Jo (Viero) and BAPA have been a godsend and supportive through the process. Finding a custom smolder took a bit longer than anticipated, but we really want to knock all the kinks out and deliver a great product to the people of Beverly.”
Once open, Sanders BBQ will set its hours as 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. A courtyard area just east of the restaurant will be open for private events.
“We’re looking forward to opening and engaging with the community,” Sanders said.
