Jimmy’s Grill in Lowell will soon be importing its signature smoked and grilled ribs, chicken, and pulled pork to Grand Rapids’ Creston neighborhood under the banner of Jimmy’s Redneck Ribs and Chicken. The new restaurant, located at 1309 Plainfield NE, will use food preparation techniques made popular by Chicago and New York delis.
“We’ll bring the prepared food in from Lowell and refrigerate it, and then we’ll heat and serve it,” said chef Tommy Fitzgerald, owner of Jimmy’s Grill and a partner in the new venture. “We’ll bake some of our cobblers on-site, but there will be no food prep on-site. When you walk in you’ll be able to smell the ribs cooking.”
“We didn’t want to go through a lot of expense to get a retail store going,” Fitzgerald added. “We’re going to be using ovens like the ones you see at Subway. That way we’ll have all the heating capabilities without the giant hood and vent system.
The two-story building was built circa 1876. An addition expanded the footprint in 1940.
Shannon Williams, Fitzgerald’s business partner, has been handling the renovation.
“[We’ve] gutted it down to the bare walls and installed all new electrical and HVAC, as well as done significant structural improvements to bring the building up to code,” Williams said. “We’re still knee deep in the midst of it. We still have to put in new bathrooms.”
With only 900 square feet, the eatery will have limited seating; the focus will be on take-out orders.
Fitzgerald based his sweet and spicy barbecue sauce on a recipe his mom used to make. In addition to the smoked and grilled meats, the menu offers potato salad, baked beans, cornbread, and coleslaw. Desserts will feature specialties from Jimmy’s Grill and the Las Vegas Cheesecake Factory, which is across the street from the new restaurant.
Four apartments above the restaurant have been updated with new electrical and heating systems. Plans include extensive renovations for three of the units.
Jimmy’s Redneck Ribs and Chicken will open mid-January.
Source: Tommy Fitzgerald and Shannon Williams, Jimmy’s Redneck Ribs and Chicken
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