Despite the pandemic, two new BBQ restaurants opening soon in Paducah

Knoth's Bar-B-Q will open the first of December in downtown Paducah

Downtown Paducah city block Knoth's
​Bar-B-Q new location

Bandana's Bar-B-Q in Paducah home of  the dry rubbed seasoning and smoked 24/7

Many special sauces available at Bandana's Bar-B-Q 

Bandana's Bar-B-Q opening in Paducah November 30, 2020

Paducah - At the height of the pandemic, two new barbecue restaurants will be opening in Paducah, Kentucky within weeks of one another. Western Kentucky is known for its fabulous BBQ. Hometown favorites such as Starnes, Harned’s Drive-In, and Backwoods are just to name a few. Banks Market and Dairyette in Lone Oak make delicious BBQ too. One of the premier events and ‘claims to fame’ takes place annually in downtown Paducah and that's the festival known as BBQ on the River. This year’s festival was canceled due to COVID-19 but it’s on the docket for 2021.

Knoth’s BBQ located in Grand Rivers, Kentucky will open a second restaurant in downtown Paducah continuing the tradition of 'the BBQ boom' in the area for lick lippin' goodness. The family-owned Kentucky business has been going strong for 55 years. They're  known for their pulled pork that’s smoked on hickory coals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sometimes they serve brisket but it sells out quickly. They serve slaw, French fries, a tasty sauce, and REAL pork rinds made from the shoulder skins. 

Currently, Knoth’s Bar-B-Q in Paducah is hiring for kitchen staff. If you’re interested, go to their Facebook page and send them a private message. You can also apply on the spot on their page. The new location located at 225 Broadway plans to open in early December. The Grand Rivers location will close for the winter but the new Paducah location will be open year round. The downtown Paducah BBQ restaurant will be open seven days a week from 11 am to 7 pm.

The second BBQ joint to open by November's end is Bandana's Bar-B-Q Restaurant.  The new business is located at the former Hananoki hibachi grill on Hinkleville Road across the street from Kentucky Oaks Mall. The restaurant chain touts businesses in five states including Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and soon Kentucky. The restaurant situated at 5004 Hinkleville Road, by the Pear Tree Inn, is located right off I-24 and will welcome locals as well as travelers. 

The southern BBQ style flavor will be accompanied by a number of delicious sides. There will be choice of potato: French fries, baked potato, or potato salad. Also, baked and green beans, corn, applesauce, garlic bread, and okra. The meat is dry rubbed,  cooked without a sauce, and smoked 24/7.

The restaurant has a completely different look from the former hibachi grill. The new renovations include a new roof, signage, HVAC system, plumbing, electrical, flooring, and restrooms. 

COVID-19 slowed the opening of Bandana’s Bar-B-Q and was temporarily halted, but they're back at it. So far, the company has hired 50 employees. Bandana’s plans to open for dinner only the first couple of weeks and include lunch shortly thereafter...giving everyone time to acclimate. The company expects to get their certificate of occupancy this week. 

There will be some limitations to the hours and occupancy due to the high number of coronavirus cases in the community and the governor's executive orders and directives. The hope is to supplement dine-in with carry-out. The business will have a catering service as well. Bandana’s has been in business or 25 years starting with their St. Louis location. 

As the coronavirus marches across our country like it's going to battle, so does the tenacity of small businesses across our community. Let's support local business.