Owners Doc and Susan Richardson opened their family restaurant in Edwardsville, Illinois, and served pork, steaks, ribs, burnt ends, burgers, and a selection of fine desserts all under one roof. It’s become a bit of a local legend, with over 300 awards in the barbecue circuit.

Doc’s has also been named among the Best of the Best Barbecue by National Barbecue News, an extremely prestigious title to hold. To be eligible for recognition, a restaurant must be taste-tested, without notice, by an affiliate of National Barbecue News multiple times throughout the year.

Holy Pierogi food truck owner Gandi Falcon has lived in Aurora for 30 years, so he knows the great things his city has to offer. When the coronavirus pandemic broke out, Falcon’s business took a hit, but he knew he had to help the community in any way he could.

“Just like everyone else, our family has been affected by [the coronavirus],” Falcon said. “We realized early on that the need to help one [an]other was going to be critical, so I started thinking on ways we can be of service.”

On March 30, National Doctors’ Day, Falcon served more than 600 free lunches to staff at Aurora’s AMITA Health Mercy Medical Center.

COVID-19 seldom gives frontline heroes time to eat a hot meal, which is why Kris Schoenberger’s BBQ-d Productions is giving free hot BBQ to many health-care workers, police officers and firefighters.

For Chicagoans seeking a Valentine’s Day plan, there’s no shortage of places to grab a bite , but only one right place to take that special someone if you want to amaze them with rich history and a great pizza pie.

Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company is famous for pioneering a different way of making deep dish pizza. The restaurant opened its doors in 1972 and soon became a local favorite for combining the structure of a pot pie with the ingredients of a pizza. Many deep dish fanatics say Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. is the best place to get a pie in Chi-town.