Local couple opens Pat’s BBQ and Randy’s Candy

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

The Lone Star State with a little Windy City attitude — that’s the sweet, tangy taste of Pat’s BBQ.

Smothered beef nachos washed down with a strawberry icee – that’s Randy’s Candy.

Combine the two and you have Pat’s BBQ and Randy’s Candy – a new addition to the local food fare options in Charles City that co-owners Michael Whitney and Adrienne Jones hope will have customers coming back for more.

“It’s Texas style with a Chicago flavor,” said Jones.

Located in the strip mall at 603 Beck Street just off South Grand between Plaza Mexico and McDonald’s, the new barbecue creation was dreamed up by Whitney and Jones. The duo, who recently became engaged, opened their restaurant on July 19.

“It was a wonderful first day,” said Jones.

Passer-bys or cars driving past the new barbecue establishment can often see Whitney outside in the parking lot grilling his pork spare ribs and tips – smoke wafting up in the air to entice new customers who can also order steak burgers or beef links.

“I love to cook. After I cook, I like to see the expression on the person’s face after they taste what I cooked,” said Whitney. “I take pride in what I do.”

Whitney is from Texas and Jones and her son, Randy, moved to Charles City from Chicago about three years ago.

Whitney said the signature taste to his meat is in the rub.

“We use a dry rub and I make my own sauce,” said Adrienne. “He smokes the meat and I put the sauce on.”

Randy has an assortment of candy he sells like gumballs and sour cherries. Randy – who will be a junior this fall at Charles City High School – said he wants to either be an entrepreneur or a doctor. He chose the former first.

“This is the perfect spot. It’s a blessing from God,” said Randy.

Adrienne lost her mother, Patricia, to a heart attack this past April. Adrienne said it was a dream of hers to own a barbecue joint. The restaurant is named in her honor.

“The very first time I cooked barbecue and Pat tasted my barbecue she started dancin’,” said Whitney. “That just made my day.”

Michael and Adrienne are only a week into running their new barbecue business but they already have big plans. The new establishment has sit-down seating and will soon have a business phone number. Adrienne said the majority of sales have been takeout but they are also planning on a delivery service. Pat’s BBQ also caters.

Folks can order a whole slab of ribs or half order. All meals come with fries and coleslaw that Randy describes as “creamy and delicious.”

Pat’s BBQ and Randy’s Candy is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. The business is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

What else does Whitney have in the works?

How about a soul food restaurant called Cornbreads? It would be another restaurant in addition to Pat’s BBQ that would be a sit-down place that would feature southern cooked food.

“It’s food that’s gonna touch your soul,” smiled Whitney.