Uncle Mike's BBQ mirrors love of family

Between about 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays you'll see the line forming at a stand on the Dollar General Store parking lot in downtown Du Quoin as customers pick up one of the best barbecues on earth.

And, for the $4.50 you lay down on the window ledge at Uncle Mike's BBQ you get not only a great sandwich, but a look at lives well-lived in the City of Du Quoin.

Mike is a 30-year career law enforcement officer in the City of Du Quoin who in retirement became school board president and is currently the city's police and fire commissioner.

"We have a lot of fun," he says as he and daughter Ashley push sandwiches, hot nachos, chips and soft drinks out the window.

22-year-old Ashley hopes to enter the "family business" of law enforcement one of these days, but for the time-being she's a food stand businesswoman who works alongside her dad to "make enough money to make the car payment," says Mike

"I think we made $67 the other day," Mike smiles. But, it takes the edge off paying the bills for his girls.

It's all about quality time.

Wife Judy shares the interest in the well-traveled downtown barbecue stand, which first opened in October 2014. She helps prepare the pulled pork, perfectly seasoned with a spacial mixture of seasoned rubs. Take your pick: mild or spicy. She also contributes greatly to the work of caring for Mike's mother.

He is appreciative of his entire family.

"We also like to make homemade wines and fudge," he said, two talents he learned from "growing up around some great women cooks" in his family.

As the barbecue is piled high on a bun and carefully wrapped you get a good word or story. Together with the barbecue, it will make your day.