Cookeville – For 35 years, Bobby-Q’s Barbecue and Fish was a staple of the Cookeville community and the barbecue world. Then, just like that, the doors were shuttered. Recently, however, Nashville based Monell’s announced plans to reopen the beloved restaurant.
A new sign was unveiled at it’s location at 428 E. Broad St. in Cookeville, and a city rejoiced. Construction has begun on what looks to be an outdoor dining area, or deck, in an extension to the already spacious restaurant, and progress is being made on a grand re-opening.
Monell’s offerings are “Great Southern Food served Family Style,” according to their website. They offer, “Meat and Three … and “feasts on plates of Southern classics and comfort foods, piled high on serving plates and shared family-style with your neighbors”, but they have no plans on changing the menu of Bobby Q’s, only adding to it.
“In April, I read a story of a man closing his bbq restaurant after 35 years,” said Monell’s owner Michael King via Bobby Q’s new facebook page. “I was moved to my core because we continue to lose mom and pop stores that bring the fabric and tradition to neighborhoods. I feel we need to do something to ease this loss. So I was moved to meet the owner on the day they were closing. I bought it the next week.”
Moving right along – Construction continues before the reopening of Bobby Q’s
King continued.
“I am keeping the same menu with a couple of new features like Monell’s fried chicken, mac and cheese and green beans,” read the facebook page. “We will add brisket on the menu as well as keep the pool slaw, catfish and yes those delicious St Louis ribs and pork shoulder.”
He said tradition is important, but mostly, this is for the Bobby-Q’s universe.
“… We are still a few weeks away from opening, but when you’re led by the Universe you show up no questions asked. So here is to Traditions, to mom and pops across this nation, and to keeping a Tennessean tradition going since 1985! Bobby Q’s, welcome to the Monell’s family.”
Information will be updated as it becomes available.
