Reenact Those Flintstones’ Rib Dreams At The Rebranded Rub’s Smokehouse, Opening Saturday

It’s a busy time for Jared Leonard. As he prepares to open his long-awaited Budlong Hot Chicken in Lincoln Square, he’s not neglecting his first restaurant, Rub’s Backcountry Smokehouse. He closed Rub’s a few weeks ago to spruce up the place, to align the restaurant closer with his barbecue pit-to-plate dinner series. On Saturday, Rub’s officially reopens with a new name: BBQ Supply Co.

Leonard said he’s been wanting to refresh Rub’s for about a year. Rub’s opened in 2010 on Western Avenue in West Rogers Park. It’s grown from a neighborhood spot to more of a diverse business, as Leonard teaches barbecue classes, caters, and operates a barbecue retail store. Leonard’s barbecue entrepreneurship includes barbecue retreats in Beloit, Wis.

Those wanting to act out the introduction from The Flintstones can make their dreams come true. Leonard is adding 5-pound beef ribs slabs to the regular menu, the same ribs that were only available via the special pit-to-plate dinners, which are ticketed affairs that often sell out a month before the dinner date. Other additions include spare ribs, hams, bellies, and Wagyu brisket.

Spring arrived this week and a North Side barbecue gem is reborn. BBQ Supply Co. is officially open on Saturday.

BBQ Supply Co., 6954 N. Western Ave., (773) 675-1410, hours not posted yet.