Our 200 yr. old BBQ Sauce Recipe won 1st Mike Royko Rib Challenge in 1982
Voted number 1 in the 1st Mike Royco Rib Challenge, our BBQ sauce is based on a 200 year old family recipe. Whether you want a picnic of 10,000 catered by our friendly staff, ordering food for a small group, or just want to come in for the best Ribs in town, give us a call or email us. Reservations needed for large groups only.
Keywords: restaurant, barbecue, bbq, ribs, Robinson's Ribs, delivery, take out, buffet, catering, online orders, MBE, certified minority business enterprise, christian ownership
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since 1983
What is your primary product or service?
Food service, catering, food concessions, barbecue sauce and seasonings company. We are Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certified.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
After winning the First Mike Royko BBQ Rib Challenge in 1982, I started the restaurant in 1983 in Oak Park, Illinois, our current headquarters. Robinson's Barbecue Sauce Co. was formed in 1986 to bring the same great taste to store shelves.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Robinson's uses our diverse experience and depth of resources, developed over years of challenging assignments. We've successfully catered assignments like 10,000 guests on the Tarmac of O'Hare Airport over a 20 hour serving window,and 6,000 guests in 4 concurrent locations 20 miles apart. What is your challenge?
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have permanent locations in Oak Park, Chicago's Union Station Food Court, and Chicago - Lincoln Park. Also, North East Illinois University, University of Chicago in the Reynolds Building. We also have event or Occasional Food Concessions at Soldier Field, McCormick Place, UIC Pavilion, several Chicago Event Venues and most of the Chicago Summer Lakefront Festivals
Provide detailed directions to your location
Eisenhower expressway to Harlem Ave, North to Madison St (about 4 blocks), then East (right) to the restaurant.
What type of payments do you accept?
MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, company/organization checks by approval.
Which areas do you service?
The greater Chicagoland area - delivery fees are determined by distance/time.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Charlie Robinson - founder and Master BBQ Chef.
What are your hours of operation?
M - Th - 11am to 8pm.
Fri - Sat - 11am to 9pm
Sun - 12am to 8pm
Buffet hours
Sun - 12pm to 5pm
Delivery hours M-F 11am to 6pm, otherwise by approval.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
That their meal reminded them of home cooking, and they would be back soon.
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