Feature Story and Photos by Larry H. Oskin
Jack’s BBQ was a local favorite for over 70 years — since 1952. The previous owners retired and closed the restaurant. Their old Highway 27 sign will soon change to add the word, ‘Smokin’ to Jack’s BBQ.
Billy Kicklighter and his wife Christina are the new owners of Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ. Before moving to Minneola, he was working for a restaurant chain that took him from the Orlando area to Palm Beach and Miami before bringing him back to Central Florida. When their oldest daughter was about to start school, he and his wife decided that they did not want to keep moving for his career, so they settled down here in Minneola because of the schools and all of their favorite nearby conveniences. They wanted to be near Orlando, yet far enough away to find a family-friendly community. Kicklighter notes, “We have been here in Minneola for over 8 years and we could not imagine living anywhere else!”
Kicklighter has been successfully working in the restaurant and foodservice industry for over 35 years. He has been a General Manager in many diverse restaurant concepts. With plenty of experience in management, team leadership and operations. He also has experience in creating menus, flavorful recipes, staff policy guidelines and procedures to ensure high-quality food and customer service. The timing was right. They bought the building and land to own their own restaurant.
Kicklighter wants to honor the southern-style legacy of his predecessors. Kicklighter’s recipes are very similar to Jack’s original favorites and he has added larger packages and full platter deals for families and festive sports fans who want to dine and drink while home and tailgating.
Smokin’ Jacks now offers a new full bar with top-shelf liquors, beers and wines. Their signature cocktail will be a special Smokin’ Bloody Mary made with Jack’s Rub.
They are also set up for dine-in, carry-out, delivery and catering.
Smokin’ Jack’s new Pig Mascot will be featured on their mugs, glasses, t-shirts hats, souvenir items. BBQ rubs and sauces can also be purchased.
The old house on the property was demolished and plans to expand with outdoor seating and live entertainment is planned for. the future.
Kicklighter notes, “This restaurant is really home to us and we want you to feel at home when you dine here! We are happy to help bring BBQ back here to Minneola. We are fortunate to have recruited two of the former staff members. Cuay will be our Pit Master and Shilynn will be our Shift Leader. We have already assembled a perfectly smokin’ team and we are now looking to add some new teammates! We are here to bring back and update the original mission, culture, and traditions while making room for some important new updates!”
For more information, visit Smokin’ Jacks BBQ at 100 South Highway 27 in Minneola. Phone:352-394-5225. To learn more, Visit https://smokinjacksbarbq.com
