LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — For decades John Mull's Meats & Road Kill Grill has been a staple within the Las Vegas community, and the COVID-19 pandemic is not its first rodeo.
People from all over the country continue to request both their hot barbecue meals and their cold meat cuts, in-person and online.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, customers must keep their social distance and wait until they can enter the restaurant.
Once guests are inside, they can choose from a wide variety of beef, pork, and chicken barbecue options, as well as side dishes like collard greens, yams, mac and cheese and cornbread.
"Their barbecue is the best. So, every time I visit, I come straight here," said Michael Copper, visiting from California.
For some, coming to this iconic place is a special treat, and it doesn't matter if it takes them a long drive. It just has become a tradition.
"I have a friend in Seattle, her grandfather and the owner of this establishment were friends growing up here, so that's how I got to learn more about John Mull's Road Kill Grill," said Cedric Gartner.
Chuck Frommer, who's been the owner for more than 30 years, says that the family business started back in 1943 when his grandfather, John Mull, wanted to sell meat from his ranch in Utah to local families.
"At that time, it was called the west side. John would deliver chickens, beef to homes, where people would meet him. It got to the point where people would just come over and pick up their beef or pork directly from us," Frommer said.
And Frommer says the Black community has been a big part of the restaurant's success -- not only for being great customers but also for being great employees.
"My family's philosophy has always been people are people. It doesn't matter the color, the ethnic background. Those who wish to work should be hired, and everybody who wants to work should have a job," Frommer said.
Jobs that have continued during these recent months, even with the pandemic bringing some changes to their services.
Frommer says the first week of the pandemic shutdown affected them, but it also brought several additions that have made his business stronger.
"With this pandemic, we learned a lot about ourselves, related to social media, the internet. As far as online ordering, we also had to retrain the customers to follow the social distancing guidelines," Frommer said.
The pandemic also emphasized their relationship with the local community, which has supported them for almost 70 years.
Customers say they can rely on large portions and quality food from John Mull's.
"This is a really good place to come out to, and you can bring your kids. When we were here on the last holiday, they give out free hamburgers and french fries while waiting. And who doesn't like free food? " Valerie South said.
John Mull's Meats & Road Kill Grill is located at 3730 Thom Blvd. And more information is available online.
