THURSDAY. May 6, 2021 • 23
www.merrittherald.com
BUSINESS FEATURE
Do you want to nominate a business? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing reporter@merrittherald.com.
MR. BBQ is a brand-new business in Merritt, and as the name implies, the focus is on bringing the best barbecued food to the folks of the Nicola Valley. “We started this business as a passion project,” said owner of MR. BBQ, Joe Roberts, who operates alongside Kristie Belanger and Ross Bennett. “For years, I did pit roasts for friends and family all the way from the east coast to Saskatchewan and Alberta, and now we are here bringing that smoky passion to Merritt.” Originally hailing from Alberta, the economic downturn of the oil industry and the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic had Roberts looking for a new place to call home, deciding that Merritt was the place to be - as well as an ideal place to turn his passion into a profitable venture. “I worked in the
oil field for a lot of years, and once COVID hit and along with it all the layoffs, we thought it was a perfect time to turn a lifelong hobby into a business,” said Roberts. “We moved here from Alberta last year and were amazed at the level of community spirit in Merritt. It’s a town that really cares about its people and local economy. We opened MR. BBQ officially March 2nd and have had the patronage and fantastic support of so many locals.” The trio are also happy to support the people and economy that supports them, looking for local products whenever possible, most notably the meat that creates their signature dishes, but also breads and desserts as well. “We have been lucky to source our meats from some great local people including Timber Ridge Ranch and Nicola
Valley Meats,” said Roberts. “We have made contacts with people involved in running some local events are very excited at the opportunity to be involved.”
Whatever your tastes might be, Mr. BBQ has an option for you. Whether you’re craving traditional BBQ or want to give Asian, Eastern European or South American styles and flavours a try, MR. BBQ has you covered. Great for a night off from cooking for the family, or if you want to host an event when
social gatherings are once again permitted, MR. BBQ offers numerous choices. “MR. BBQ is a mobile smokehouse and catering company focused on old-fashioned BBQ with some new twists,” explained Roberts. “On the catering end, we do weddings and other events…we have a pig roast package with options of in-ground pit roast
on site, open flame roasting, or our mobile rotisserie. Right now, we are selling to the public in weekly BBQ events that include BBQ combos and by-the-pound options.” A complete menu is available on the MR. BBQ Facebook page, and the website: https:// www.mrbbqsmokehouse.com/ .
“There is no event too small or too big and we work with any budget,” said Roberts. “We are also launching a luxury picnic, small event package catering to small groups from two to ten. There are several themes to choose from. You choose the location, we do the set up and take down, provide all the cutlery, seating, fresh floral arrangements, etc. We love this community and realize COVID times are tough, and everyone needs a little bit of fun.” Even though this is a dream job for Roberts and staff, and it’s hard to imagine anyone could get tired of experimenting with fun new and delicious ways of serving ribs, briskets, chicken, etc., all work and no play makes for a dull crew. Luckily, there’s no shortage of things to do for the new Merrittonians, even with COVID keeping us all close to home. “When we aren’t smoking and barbecuing, we are out fishing, kayaking, camping and traveling,” said Roberts. “Although, COVID has settled down the traveling. But luckily, we have
a lot to explore and enjoy in Merritt, this being our first summer here.” If you’re interested in having MR. BBQ at your next event, or ordering some delicious BBQ, you can contact them via their Facebook page, by phone at 250 – 936 – 9202 or by email info@mrbbqcatering.ca . “We go above and beyond to fit your theme, feed your guests and make it a one-of-akind event!”
Fri. May 7
Sat. May 8
Sun. May 9
Mon. May 10
Cloudy w/Sunny Breaks High 18˚C Low: 4˚C
Mix of Sun & Clouds High: 11˚C Low: 3˚C
Mix of Sun & Clouds High: 12˚C Low: 3˚C
Mostly Sunny High: 14˚C Low: 4˚C
A Few Showers High:14˚C Low: 3˚C
Tues. May 11
Chance of Showers High: 14˚C Low: 2˚C
Approved mini-storage ■ On-site rentals ■ Secured ■ Sale of New & Used storage containers ■
1750 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000
THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU Crossroads Community Church
2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911• Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.
Merritt Lutheran Fellowship
in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899 Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919 Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.
St. Michael’s Anglican Church
1990 Chapman St. • 250-378-3772 Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.
Trinity United Church
Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735 Service Time 2nd & 4th Sundays/ Sunday School (K-Gr. 4) - 10 am
Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268
Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502 Service Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Merritt Baptist Church
Sunday services temporarily suspended - for prayer and counselling call 250-378-2464
7 Day Weather Forecast for Merritt, BC - Thursday, May 6 - Wednesday, May 12, 2021 Thurs. May 6
CONTAIN-IT STORAGE
Wed. May 12
Mainly Cloudy High: 16˚C Low: 4˚C
For all your landscaping needs call the professionals at
Serving Merritt with Excellence for over 28 yrs tlcpond1@telus.net
250-378-4166
