That was the beginning of Prime BBQ Smokehouse on American Way that opened during the height of the coronavirus pandemic and has seen a “slow and steady” increase in business, Jabro said.
On Dec. 17, the first day they opened, Jabo and the Yasso brothers worked the restaurant by themselves because they couldn’t find any employees. A banner hung over the name of the former restaurant and they had 30 customers.
Since then, they have hired several employees and replaced the banner with a permanent sign.
“It’s been great,” said Jabro, 29, who lives in Miamisburg. “We have a good feeling.”
Jabro said he loves smoking meat at home and wanted to take that passion and turn it into a profession. He said all the meat at Prime BBQ is smoked every night and he monitors the temperature of the meat from his home.
Prime BBQ offers a wide variety of options, including brisket, pulled pork, chicken, ribs, hamburgers, smoke sausage, chicken sandwiches, bourbon salmon, smoked wings, fish, fried chicken, tacos, salads and numerous side dishes. Jabro said everything is prepared fresh.
He said the Monroe community — from the government building, school district and local businesses — has been very supportive. They have catered for local companies and last week, after the lunch rush, several customers wearing shirts from Monroe businesses, ordered carry-out.
“People have been great,” Jabro said. “I think Monroe needed a barbecue place.”
The restaurant has reviewed numerous positive reviews on its Facebook page and Jabro said one customer from Texas said it was the best barbecue he had eaten.
“We’re doing something right,” Jabro said.
HOW TO GO
NAME: Prime BBQ Smokehouse
ADDRESS: 11 American Way, Monroe
PHONE NUMBER: 513-342-2222
HOURS: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday.
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