LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Normally, you'd have to travel all the way to Texas for authentic barbecue, but Big B's Texas BBQ is serving up smoky southern meats in Las Vegas and Henderson.
"You have to bring it in. We bring the wood in from Texas. We try to follow traditional cooking methods. So, barbecue, like any other cultural food, is hard to do. When you can pull it off, you can have success at it," said Brian Buechner, a co-owner of Big B's Texas BBQ with Texas roots himself.
But lately, Big B's bottom line has been hurting. Buechner and his fellow co-owner, Natalia Badzjo, say business is down anywhere from 50% to 80% during this pandemic, and the uncertainty surrounding the future is even scarier.
"If this only last a few weeks or a month, we will be able to pull through. If it last several months, I’m afraid, just like a lot of other restaurants, we won’t be able to make it," said Badzjo.
Badzjo and Buechner have decided to keep Big B's Texas BBQ open during these tough times, mainly to continue supporting their full-time staffers, all of whom are still employed.
"Most of them have been with us since day one at our Henderson location, and that’s almost 5 years. They’ve become family and I feel responsible for every single person that works for us," said Badzjo.
Big B's employees are still serving up great smoky flavors, but from a safe social distance.
"We can definitely do curbside. We practice social distancing in everything we do. The facility is very clean. We stay up on that," said Buechner.
Despite the slow business, Big B's has been offering discounts, like 10% off orders for first responders and health care workers. Plus, they've partnered with several local organizations to donate hundreds of meals to first responders. Now, in their time of need, Big B's is hoping the Las Vegas community will step up and support them.
"If you’re going to order food or eat out, support small business. Not just us, but any small business that you’ve eaten at before and want to for that business to stay there after this is over. Order from them. Support them right now because this is the time they need us the most," said Badzjo.
Big B's Texas BBQ is coming up with new specials every single week to try and help out the community. This week, they're offering a family meal for four for $34. For more information about the restaurant and to place an order, click this link.
