Step up to the plate
to allow him to do so.“ That’ s why nothing has changed to this day,” he said.“ I still cook the beans the way he taught me and the potatoes for the potato salad. Very little has changed, except that I’ m no longer a franchise owner, I simply buy their products.”
His menu features chopped and sliced beef, turkey, sausage, hot link, sloppy Joe, sliced and chopped pork, ribs and baked potatoes. Their sides include pinto beans, potato salad or coleslaw. They also have pie choices for dessert.
There have been only three changes to the business in 30 years, according to Turner. He’ s added a credit card machine, sweet tea and stuffed potatoes.
Turner said they don’ t skimp, they buy good quality meats and # 1 potatoes. He also said he pays
his employees a fair wage.
He said chopped beef sandwiches are probably their biggest seller and they also sell a lot of ribs. He said their potatoes are very popular and they generally sell out of them each day.
“ I had people that very first day that we opened say,‘ You’ ll never make it in this town,’ and I said,‘ I’ m gonna charge a fair price and if I don’ t charge that price I’ m guaranteed not to make it,’” Tuner said.“ We are realistic about what the economy will support in a small town and we are just fine with that.”
Turner said he has adjusted his business hours over the years. They are open from 11 a. m. to 7 p. m. Tuesday through Saturday. The dine-in area closes at 4 p. m.
THE ASTROS COLLECTION
Beyond the barbecue, Turner’ s wall-to-wall Astros baseball collection is a draw for sports lovers who often make a pilgrimage to All Star Bar-B-Q on their way to a game.
Turner said he grew up“ a big sports fan” and played sports in school.
“ Back then, my dad was a Houston Post guy and we got the Post everyday and I would read every inch of the sports section,” he said.“ I was in love with sports.”
Tuner said his family lived 40 miles from Houston and his dad would take them once a year to see either a Colt. 45s or Astros game.“ I grew up thinking that( the
Astros) was my team,” Turner said. His all-time favorite player, whom he named his son after, is Nolan Ryan.
“ When I opened up, I thought,‘ What am I going to decorate with?’” he said.“ Back then, most barbecue restaurants did license plates or western themes and
Spring 2025 | Jacksonville Progress 17