By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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MACHESNEY PARK — New ownership has taken over Ritchie’s Smokin’ BBQ, 7828 N. Second St., and added more menu options for you to enjoy before or after your barbecue.
Taylor Griep said her goal was to build on the things customers already loved about Ritchie’s and to add new life to the restaurant with appetizers such as jalapeno poppers, French fries, onion rings and mozzarella sticks. They also added salads and chicken to the menu and ice cream for dessert.
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Griep, who worked on and off for the previous owner Ritchie Lane, said she and her husband, Baron, decided to take over the business when Lane wanted to retire.
“I love the food. I love the employees. Obviously the customers love it,” Taylor Griep said. “It’s a good concept. It’s great food, and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to it.”
Ritchie’s opened in May 2020, replacing the former Carlito’s Tacos & More. Before that the space was home to Pug Dog’s Diner and Pug’s Deli.
Local dignitaries and members of The Parks Chamber of Commerce gathered at the restaurant on Thursday to celebrate the Griep family taking over the business. They have been the owners since the start of the month.
Machesney Park Mayor Steve Johnson said he was happy to see a local family carry on what has become local favorite.
“It’s a staple. Everybody knows it’s great food,” Johnson said. “The fact that they’re expanding their menu, that’s huge.”
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Other changes to the menu include the addition of a pizza sauce base to its 7-inch pizzas. Previously, only a barbecue sauce base was offered, but now customers can choose between the two.
The Griep family also runs another business in town. Baron Griep is the owner of Griep Enterprises, which offers chimney and fireplace services for residential and commercial customers.
At Ritchie’s, the family is also giving back through some of its sales. It offers “pup cups,” which are fully cooked trimmings designed for your dog. For the next 30 days, half of all pup cup sales will benefit CARE for PETS, a local nonprofit animal rescue organization. The acronym stands for County Animal Rescue Endowment for Providing Enrichment Through Support.
“It’s nice to see a small business owner being successful here and wanting to help out and be a part of the community,” said Duncan Geddes, executive director of the Parks Chamber.
About | Ritchie’s Smokin’ BBQ
Where: 7828 N. Second St., Machesney Park
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Order online: 815smokinbbq.com
On social: facebook.com/RitchieSmokinbbq
Contact: 779-423-0073; 815smokinbbq@gmail.com
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas