Thanks, Stewart. Wouldn't a coffee table book project be something? Maybe one or the other of us will find a way to make that happen! I do work remotely, but I'm not sure how to put the other half's furniture-making biz on the road.
So you're one of the lucky Alpha Gal folks, eh? Ugh!
Amen! My 70-something flawed self loves me some BBQ. For those who provide this particular form of sustenance, especially in generational relay service, there is a sense that it is a calling. You can taste the love!
I wish I had known about Kepley's when in High Point. My late husband and I didn't hesitate to go out of our way for good Q. However, there were rules: there had to be smoke coming from a pit or grill on premises, and somewhere on the building there had to be a pig doing something "human", like playing a guitar, dancing, etc. I share the love of Eastern style with you, but we lived in Kansas City for 18 years before moving here to the Eastern Shore, and that was definitely a different kind of Q. Thanks for making my stomach growl! (And, Stewart, there are many coffee-table-style books on Q, all mouth watering.)
Kepley's was iconic, but my hunch is you might find something similar just around the next corner if you go looking. I read a funny comment while I was putting the essay together: "Every NC town has at least one BBQ joint that claims to be 'world famous' & somehow, they're all right." 😅
I was too young to remember the Kansas BBQ, but there sure is a different vibe going on out there, as well as in Texas! Hope you can get your hands on a batch of whatever it is that makes you happiest. Thanks, Marcia.
Oh my goodness.... It's probably the first thing I've ever read that I knew 90% of what the author was writing and believed every word... I can't even imagine how many trips I have made there over the 50 plus years I've been in High Point.... It was there both young and old that we all had a slice of life or even a chopped version......
You have lived the experience longer than I, Barry, and I envy you for that. High Point will have a Kepley's shaped hole in its heart from now on, but here's to all those flavorful memories! Glad you enjoyed this one, and thank you.
Thanks, Rita. There aren't many establishments that stick around that long these days, let alone relatively unchanged. We were fortunate to have them. What's the BBQ style out your way?
I'm not quite there yet but I still have quite the accumulation of them already! The closest thing to Kepley's I've found here at home is our buddy Chubb. ☺️
I went to Tennessee for my first time last October. All I can say is Jack's Barbecue just down the street from our Airbnb. We ate there twice. Melt-in-your-mouth BBQ and cornbread. Brisket, banana pudding, etc. Actually, I can't remember if it was Jack's or Joe's. It was a recommendation from someone on Substack. I'm grateful for it! We ate well in Nashville and Franklin.
It's sad when family-owned places like this finally close their doors, but at least it sounds like they weren't simply "closed out"... it ran its almost 80 year course! Kudos to your brother for the shipment. That's brotherly dedication. Imagining that moment with the UPS driver is, really, pretty funny. Glad to hear your "Q" was enjoyed.
Ha! What the delivery drivers of the world must encounter, right?
During our more isolated years on the farm, we had a super friendly UPS guy. When he rolled up, the girls went BONKERS to be first to answer the door. Then, they needed to show him all the things: toys, cartwheels, whatever they could come up with to gain his attention. I used to find myself telling him that, despite appearances, they were exposed to other humans on a regular basis. 🤪
Kepley's did indeed have a good run. The story is that Susan and her staff were ready to dial down, but there was also the struggle to find reliable help and/or make enough money at a small place like that. I'm glad they held on as long as they did.
This is awesome! Thanks Elizabeth. As a Canadian raised in northern Alberta, I was not raised in the Bar-B-Q tradition so I don’t have the same faith you southerners have. But, I recognize the value of connection, integrity and longevity in a world where it’s becoming rare. This is the kind of place I would love to find on my travels, the sort I am always searching for. I loved reading your great tribute to this long-standing institution!
this is more than good enough, it's deliciously written, and perfect.
Thanks, Stephanie! And let's also highlight YOUR amazing tribute while we're at it, shall we? What a gem we had!
https://gardenandgun.com/articles/an-ode-to-kepleys-barbecue-a-north-carolina-institution/
Wonderful writing and memory! Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it, Erica. Do you have a "Kepley's" from your past?
"...connected, valued, a place where you mattered." How life- and self-affirming. We need this kind of community, and to remember.
I feel like there ought to be a coffee table book about these sorts of places across this great land of ours.
Lovely writing, but bittersweet: I haven't been able to eat beef or pork in five years! Imagine! No, don't!!
Thanks, Stewart. Wouldn't a coffee table book project be something? Maybe one or the other of us will find a way to make that happen! I do work remotely, but I'm not sure how to put the other half's furniture-making biz on the road.
So you're one of the lucky Alpha Gal folks, eh? Ugh!
Amen! My 70-something flawed self loves me some BBQ. For those who provide this particular form of sustenance, especially in generational relay service, there is a sense that it is a calling. You can taste the love!
I LOVE this comment, Deb, and you are spot on. Also, you win the day for "generational relay service." So accurate. Thank you for joining in today.
You made my day with your beautiful writing about the communion of cue. Respite from the flood… Thank you.
☺️
I wish I had known about Kepley's when in High Point. My late husband and I didn't hesitate to go out of our way for good Q. However, there were rules: there had to be smoke coming from a pit or grill on premises, and somewhere on the building there had to be a pig doing something "human", like playing a guitar, dancing, etc. I share the love of Eastern style with you, but we lived in Kansas City for 18 years before moving here to the Eastern Shore, and that was definitely a different kind of Q. Thanks for making my stomach growl! (And, Stewart, there are many coffee-table-style books on Q, all mouth watering.)
Kepley's was iconic, but my hunch is you might find something similar just around the next corner if you go looking. I read a funny comment while I was putting the essay together: "Every NC town has at least one BBQ joint that claims to be 'world famous' & somehow, they're all right." 😅
I was too young to remember the Kansas BBQ, but there sure is a different vibe going on out there, as well as in Texas! Hope you can get your hands on a batch of whatever it is that makes you happiest. Thanks, Marcia.
Oh my goodness.... It's probably the first thing I've ever read that I knew 90% of what the author was writing and believed every word... I can't even imagine how many trips I have made there over the 50 plus years I've been in High Point.... It was there both young and old that we all had a slice of life or even a chopped version......
You have lived the experience longer than I, Barry, and I envy you for that. High Point will have a Kepley's shaped hole in its heart from now on, but here's to all those flavorful memories! Glad you enjoyed this one, and thank you.
Well, I’ll finish reading as soon as I can find some ‘cue for lunch. Drooling already.
Hahaha! Hope you did! Do tell us about your favorite spots sometime. ☺️
Condolences on the loss of such a great place!
Thanks, Rita. There aren't many establishments that stick around that long these days, let alone relatively unchanged. We were fortunate to have them. What's the BBQ style out your way?
My favorite part. “Imperfections - most anything that lives more than 70 years has some of those.” That would be me!
Yummy story! Thanks!
I'm not quite there yet but I still have quite the accumulation of them already! The closest thing to Kepley's I've found here at home is our buddy Chubb. ☺️
Good to see you, Suzanne!
Love this very real memory!
Thanks, Jill. Any Kepley's-esque places in your life?
I could taste the barbecue and smell the hush puppies! Thank you for delicious memories.
I hope you get some of your very own soon, Shauna! We do love us some Southern comfort food, don't we? Thanks for chiming in.
I went to Tennessee for my first time last October. All I can say is Jack's Barbecue just down the street from our Airbnb. We ate there twice. Melt-in-your-mouth BBQ and cornbread. Brisket, banana pudding, etc. Actually, I can't remember if it was Jack's or Joe's. It was a recommendation from someone on Substack. I'm grateful for it! We ate well in Nashville and Franklin.
😋
It's sad when family-owned places like this finally close their doors, but at least it sounds like they weren't simply "closed out"... it ran its almost 80 year course! Kudos to your brother for the shipment. That's brotherly dedication. Imagining that moment with the UPS driver is, really, pretty funny. Glad to hear your "Q" was enjoyed.
Ha! What the delivery drivers of the world must encounter, right?
During our more isolated years on the farm, we had a super friendly UPS guy. When he rolled up, the girls went BONKERS to be first to answer the door. Then, they needed to show him all the things: toys, cartwheels, whatever they could come up with to gain his attention. I used to find myself telling him that, despite appearances, they were exposed to other humans on a regular basis. 🤪
Kepley's did indeed have a good run. The story is that Susan and her staff were ready to dial down, but there was also the struggle to find reliable help and/or make enough money at a small place like that. I'm glad they held on as long as they did.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Amy.
Could just about taste that wonderful Carolina barbecue!! Elizabeth, you are such a talented writer….thanks for sharing!!
So glad you enjoyed this one, Sue. Thank you!
This is awesome! Thanks Elizabeth. As a Canadian raised in northern Alberta, I was not raised in the Bar-B-Q tradition so I don’t have the same faith you southerners have. But, I recognize the value of connection, integrity and longevity in a world where it’s becoming rare. This is the kind of place I would love to find on my travels, the sort I am always searching for. I loved reading your great tribute to this long-standing institution!
Thanks, Donna. We were fortunate to have it for so many years. I'll be searching with you for those that are similar. Great to see you here.