For students craving barbecue and gaming, the South Park BBQ & Billiards restaurant opening Friday is the place to go for a quick fix.
Brothers-in-law Michael Johnson and Jeff Dwyer spent the last two years renovating the 887 S. Highland restaurant, formerly known as Luke's Tavern.
Johnson and Dwyer, both native Memphians, worked in the Highland Strip Area before deciding to go into business together. Dwyer, a U of M graduate, owned Fats, which is now Gills on Highland.
In 1998, Fats closed when Dwyer's partner's wife was diagnosed with lupus. Two years ago, Dwyer decided to open another restaurant, and he and his brother-in-law began looking for buildings near The University of Memphis.
When Luke's Tavern came up for sale, the two bought the building and renovated the inside.
"It's a lot bigger than what you'd think from the outside," Johnson said. "People are going to walk in and say wow."
Sports and movie memorabilia Dwyer has collected hang on the walls. The restaurant has two pool tables and a front patio and an outdoor patio with a stage and bar.
The menu at South BBQ & Billiards will feature barbecue sandwiches, coleslaw, potato salad, chips and sausage and cheese plates.
"We're going to keep it simple at first," Johnson said.
The restaurant will also deliver and offer carryout.
"To my knowledge, we'll be the only barbeque place in Memphis that delivers," Johnson said.
The owners also want college students to apply.
People do not have to have any experience. The only requirements are that candidates must be energetic and want to work in a fun-filled environment.
"That's what it's all about," Johnson said.
Kim King, a sophomore social work major at The U of M, will be a waitress at South Park BBQ & Billiards.
"There aren't a lot of restaurants around that sell barbeque," she said.
But the barbecue won't be the only thing that's different.
Nick Dwyer, a senior biology major and son of one of the owners, believes the restaurant will be a good thing for The University.
South Park BBQ & Billiards will feature a variety of specials catering to U of M students.
Dwyer said there are plans for a bikini and disc jockey contest.
"We're going to have our own style," he said. "It's going to be a little bit more laid back and less restricting than some bars are.
South Park BBQ & Billiards will be open at 11 a.m. seven days a week. Johnson and Dwyer will start serving their barbecue Friday.
"We've got an awesome recipe," Johnson said.
