The article is about Sanders BBQ Supply Co., a barbecue restaurant in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago. The restaurant is owned by James Sanders and features pitmaster Nick Kleutsch's creative take on barbecue.
Kleutsch joined Sanders' team after starting his own barbecue pop-up series in Indiana, where he developed a reputation for using smoke as a seasoning rather than brash main character. At Sanders', he has experimented with different rubs, sauces, and cooking techniques to create unique flavors like the beef ribs, which are rubbed with dried chilies and brown sugar before smoking.
The restaurant's interior seats 60 people, and in the fall of 2024, it became so packed that customers didn't have a place to sit. When the landlord offered up the former architect's office space next door, Sanders couldn't resist the chance to add more seating. The new expansion includes an overflow patio with garage-style windows that connect to the original storefront.
Sanders plans to open a retail store on the Beverly site in 2026, which will sell rubs, sauces, and merchandise and house his to-go operation. The store will also be the centralized hub for prepping big proteins like brisket, beef ribs, and pork. In 2026, Sanders BBQ Supply Co. will move to a new location beneath music venue the Promontory in Hyde Park.
The article concludes with James Sanders' attitude towards fame: "Then I was just like, oh s- - -, back to work." Despite the success of their restaurant and the recent New York Times nod, Sanders is already looking forward to getting back to work.
Kleutsch joined Sanders' team after starting his own barbecue pop-up series in Indiana, where he developed a reputation for using smoke as a seasoning rather than brash main character. At Sanders', he has experimented with different rubs, sauces, and cooking techniques to create unique flavors like the beef ribs, which are rubbed with dried chilies and brown sugar before smoking.
The restaurant's interior seats 60 people, and in the fall of 2024, it became so packed that customers didn't have a place to sit. When the landlord offered up the former architect's office space next door, Sanders couldn't resist the chance to add more seating. The new expansion includes an overflow patio with garage-style windows that connect to the original storefront.
Sanders plans to open a retail store on the Beverly site in 2026, which will sell rubs, sauces, and merchandise and house his to-go operation. The store will also be the centralized hub for prepping big proteins like brisket, beef ribs, and pork. In 2026, Sanders BBQ Supply Co. will move to a new location beneath music venue the Promontory in Hyde Park.
The article concludes with James Sanders' attitude towards fame: "Then I was just like, oh s- - -, back to work." Despite the success of their restaurant and the recent New York Times nod, Sanders is already looking forward to getting back to work.
i mean who needs fancy sauces when you can just smoky up some amazing flavors?! 
the fact that james sanders is down to earth like "back to work" tho i love it 
can't wait for the new retail store and merch in 2026, gotta get my hands on those rubs and sauces ASAP 
And who knows, maybe one day we'll even get to try some of their merchandise... but let's be real, I'm just here for the BBQ 
. I do wish him all the best in his plans for 2026, and I hope he stays humble despite all the success - it's clear that "Then I was just like, oh s- - -, back to work" is more than just a joke! 
i've been dying to try out some new bbq spots in chicago and now sanders bbq supply co is opening a retail store next year?! 
can't wait to check out the new expansion and grab some merchandise 
i mean who wouldn't wanna leave the spotlight tho? but honestly i think he's just passionate about BBQ and wants to make sure everyone can enjoy his craft 
like, his pitmaster nick kleutsch is genius! using smoke as a seasoning is pure magic 
and that new retail store in 2026 sounds like an amazing idea 
he's already planning for 2026, which just means more BBQ goodness for us 
️. I love that they're expanding the seating area and adding a retail store – it's gonna be a game-changer for BBQ lovers in Chicago 
. Sanders is like the ultimate optimist, always looking forward to the next project 
. Can't wait to see what 2026 brings! 
According to Google Trends, "BBQ" searches have been on the rise since 2023, and it looks like Sanders BBQ is one of the top spots people wanna try. 
The restaurant's Instagram is gettin' over 1k new followers every month! 
They're talkin' about expandin' into retail next year, which will be huge for them. I predict they'll sell out of their merchandise within the first week of 2026. 
, and I'm hyped to see what they got in store for 2026! 
.
! Can't wait to see how everything comes together and what the 2026 move to Hyde Park will look like 
.
A patio with garage-style windows is like, totally genius 
. I'm low-key obsessed with this BBQ joint now 
he's all about gettin that BBQ game on point but still stays chill about it lol... i mean, a spot in the NY times? nice! 
but honestly, who cares bout that when ur makin some fire grub?! 
i also love how humble sanders is about all this fame tho. he's like "back to work" LOL 
Still, it's gonna be awesome to have a retail store and hub for prepping big proteins... can't wait to get my hands on those rubs and sauces!