Every couple of weeks my friend Bob and I go out to lunch to tell lies to teach other and to tell everyone around us how we could run Georgia, America and/or The Entire Known World better than the [insert derogatory term here] who are making a mess of it.
Just two grumpy old retired guys who make the grumpy guys on Sesame Street look like Billy Graham and Pat Sajak. We’re so hard to please it’s a wonder that we even like each other.
It was Bob’s turn to choose where we were going to eat. I figured he’d go for Chinese, Mexican or a Brand Name Joint in town.
Nope. Bob wanted to go to Roscoe’s.
Before I could say, “What the heck is Roscoe’s?” and make up a whopper about how I couldn’t meet him because I had to change my car’s speedometer fluid, Bob said, “Katie recommended it.”
Katie, Bob’s daughter, has more sense than Bob and I will ever have, so I agreed to have lunch at Roscoe’s BBQ.
Me:Â Where is Roscoe’s?
Bob:Â Do you know where Northeast Georgia Medical Center is?
Me:Â Sure.
Bob:Â Do you know where the Valero gas station is across the street?
Me: No. Are you kidding me?
Bob: Nope. It’s right behind the gas station in a building you can’t see from Jesse Jewel.
Me: No. Are you kidding me?
Bob: Really. It’s brand new. I’ve been there and I’m craving their sausage dog with cole slaw on top. You’ll love it.
Me: No. Are you kidding me?
When I arrived, I was happy to learn that “roscoe” — a term for a gun, used in stupid Mel Gibson movies — was actually Roscoe Turner, the owner, chief cook and bottle washer.
Roscoe was a delight. As I snooped around the options for my meat-and-two-sides, Roscoe described them all with more mouth-watering fervor than any snooty chef you’ve ever heard on TV or in person.
I wanted it all but I went with the BBQ pork chops, BBQ beans and — taking Roscoe’s suggestion — the mac & cheese.
The food looked and smelled terrific. That’s when I asked Roscoe to pose with my lunch. (Yes, that was weird but he went along with it.)
For six bucks, I had the second best BBQ beans ever, the very best mac & cheese ever and the best BBQ pork chop since the ones made by little-old-country ladies in Richland, GA.
Roscoe’s charm and presence made a great meal excellent. He told me his mom used to cook at Henry O’s and how he hurt his back and couldn’t work. Roscoe asked God for a new career, went to school to learn how to create amazingly tasty dishes, and the result is Roscoe’s BBQ & Sports Grill.
Roscoe says everything he serves is made with love. That might be why it’s so delicious.
Roscoe’s BBQ just opened in September. You’d better get there soon to meet Roscoe and have a meal with friends before there’s a long line of hungry folks waiting to get in.
Tell Roscoe that Katie sent you, but don’t mention her two grumpy friends.
Roscoe’s BBQ & Sports Grill
Address:Â 420 Wall Street, Gainesville 30501
Where it really is:Â Kitty-corner to the NE GA Medical Center at Jesse Jewel & Enota, behind the Valero gas station.
Hours:Â Tuesday — Sunday, 11 AM until midnight
Phone:Â 678-971-4229
What Roscoe’s serves: Burgers, wings, BBQ ribs, BBQ pork, BBQ brisket, sausage dogs and a zillion kinds of burgers. All you can eat buffet brunch bar on Sunday.
Trivia: Yes, Bob and I paid for our lunches. No, Roscoe did not ask for any publicity. Yes, Katie was right: it’s a great place to eat.
Why you should try Roscoe’s:Â Great food and to help an average guy try to start a small business in America that he believes is a second chance from God.
