Big Daddy's serving up southern fare
After more than a decade of sitting empty, an
historic Porthill establishment is once again
open and vibrant, with a new look in keeping
with the old, a spirit of days long missed, and
a return to fun and food the entire family can
enjoy.For decades, Roy’s Place was a community Mecca, a place for good food, convivial company, great music and good times.
The late Roger Guthrie waxed eloquent on KBFI in its waning days in the late 90s about he and his brothers playing dances there in the 40s, 50s and 60s, talking of the fun they had.
“I believe I introduced the hogophone at a dance there,” he told me in my days as a DJ. “People loved it, but a hogophone was hard to play … you held a pig under one arm, and tried to squeeze him so he’d sing the right note at the right time …”
It’s not Roy’s Place anymore, but Ploman Sheppard, now manager of Big Daddy’s Bar & Grill in that historic venue, aims at bringing back the charm, good times and great food Roy’s was once famous for, of reviving a local legend to glory.
He credits his Dad, Mike Sheppard Senior, and his big brother, Mike Junior, owners of the Porthill Mercantile, with coming up with the vision, more than a year in the making, and with plenty of work yet to go.
They opened June 10 this year, and they’re still at work.
Well beyond the date they held their Grand Opening, barely announced October 5, over 400 filled the house, feasting on authentic southern barbecue, skating the dance floor to great live, local music, shooting pool, throwing darts.
That’s what Ploman said the goal is.
“This is a place where the whole family is welcome,” he said.
The renewed interior, full of natural wood furnishings both comfortable and inviting, isn’t too far a cry from the establishment’s heyday of years gone by.
“My dad has put together a history of this pace,” Ploman said. “Long before it was Roy’s place, this was a home, and he talked to two girls who were born and raised here. They’re both in their 90s now.”
I apologize profusely, I haven’t yet talked of food.
Pizza piled high and heavy, far bigger than a small Army can eat for $20 or less.
Hot southern chili with nary a frijole (no beans) piled high with melted cheese and enough kick to make you think you met a mule.
They offer softer fare for the less adventurous, (or not … try their monster two foot bratwurst) … beer, wine and soft drinks.
But if you truly want to enjoy all Big Daddy’s Bar & Grill has to offer, visit on a Friday evening, between 4 p.m. to closing.
Racks of barbecue pork ribs that will melt in your mouth and make your taste buds want to get up and dance, your choice of dry rub or house sauce. Either way, a good time is guaranteed.
It’s almost like going to the best house in Louisiana or Mississippi, except you drive north.
Big Daddy’s Bar & Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, serving both lunch and dinner. To find out more, call (208) 267-0434.