New family business opens in Rector

Big Mouth BBQ and Catering, owned by Terrill and Stephanie Fowler and Josh and Jennifer (Fowler) Jackson, opened Thursday, Nov. 5, in the PC Plus parking lot across from Rector Memorial Park on Highway 49.

While in operation for only a short time, the venture already is proving to be a big hit.

"We were a little surprised," said Terrill. "Hopefully, it will stay this busy."

Terrill and Jennifer are siblings and their sister, Kelly Fowler, also is working at the stand. The family has been barbecuing together for years and regularly held family cookouts during the summer months, with their July 4th gathering becoming a favorite of friends and relatives.

"It just kept growing," Terrill said of their cookouts. "We'd take some of the barbecue to work or to a dinner. People would keep asking for it. They kept saying 'You should open a business.' So that's what we decided to do. We'll see what happens from here."

The family took the first step to bringing their barbecue to the masses when they purchased a trailer and large smoker during the summer. After examining possible locations, they decided to set up their business in Rector.

"We thought this was a good place to have it," Terrill said. "We're here by the highway where everybody can see us."

The menu features single sandwiches piled high with barbecue, coleslaw and hot sauce upon request. Sandwiches come in three sizes: regular, jumbo and The Texan. Diners also may enjoy barbecue chicken plates, rib plates, whole Boston butts or take a pound of pulled pork meat home for dinner. There is a full range of side dishes, including coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad and chips.

The family adds its own flair to the barbecue with a homemade barbecue sauce, featuring their own choices of seasons and spices. The baked beans also feature a "secret recipe" which has made them a popular favorite among customers.

For special events or gatherings, Big Mouth can arrange catered meals of any size. Persons may call 870-634-6434 to learn more or arrange catering for their events.

The barbecue site itself is open to customers from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.