Sorry to see Bob and his friends leave the area. Was some very yummy meat on a very big plate.
Several months ago, Dave Womick applied on behalf of his newest restaurant in Winchester, VA, to sponsor the upcoming Kenny Rogers concert at the Shenandoah County Fair where I’ve been the Interim Manager for the past two years. Dave, who at one time was the largest franchisee of Kenny Rogers’ Roasters, was confident that as his application rose through the ranks, his newest venture would be approved. He was right. Dave Bob’s BBQ and Such made the cut at Dreamcatchers Entertainment.
We clicked right off the bat so as I often do, I volunteered to mystery shop his place from time to time. An A.S. in Hospitality Management and family background have allowed me to do this undetected detective work for many years. I’m a stickler for good customer service and make certain to pass along my observations to management, sometimes to the chagrin of my friends. It all goes back to “If you don’t know there is a problem you can’t fix it.”
So along comes the great per-opening night. The practice run. The bring in the friends and family night. The let’s see what needs tweaking night. There were seven of us in my party, Dawn Burch my friend and right-hand at the fair, friends Joe and Elaine Shaw from Edinburg, and Jim Sullivan, Krishele Carter and her son, Will, from Strasburg. We were greeted outside the door by a fresh-faced wholesome young woman who guided us inside to an equally fresh-faced hostess.
Bob and a Greeter await our arrival
The chips, served as an appetizer, were hot and crisp on the outside with an occasional chip being slightly moist on the inside. The fresh potato flavor came through and they were yummy in either case. High marks all around on those puppies. The freshly baked corn bread was as delicious as a cake and could pass as dessert.
Dave challenged me to eat the whole slab of ribs that I ordered. Like everything else the slab of ribs was much larger than at most BBQ joints.
This is a man sized slab of ribs!
There was a 22-ounce steak calling my name but it couldn’t sway my mind from those ribs. I looked forward to a good smoky tasting BBQ so I opted to forgo the sauces and chose a dry rub instead. The rub kept the meat very moist and tender but because of my habit of eating things without salt, it had a bit of a bite for me. Dave explained that one can order the meal sans rub and it will be removed before being served. Whala. The best of both worlds. Succulent meat with a smoky flavor served exactly the way you’d like it. Now that is my kind of place!
Joe was not a big fan of the coleslaw due to the addition of tangy mustard but over all said “Great place to PIG OUT on wonderful food at great price!” Elaine’s response was “The chips & BBQ sauce are to die for, ribs unbelievably meaty & juicy” and Dawn’s response to my question about the brisket was simply, “Excellent.”
The portions were large, the food hot and fresh and the staff very attentive. Price options included family style dinners for 2 or more with multiple-choice options.
Dave’s partner Bob (he is such a pig) has a great collection of mementos to himself in one of the several dining areas. Dave’s awards for BBQ sauces grace the walls leading to the larger meeting areas.
Dave gives us a tour.
Dave’s also a great artist in his own right having drawn many delightful pictures of Bob and his friends as they played cards or did other normal everyday things a pig like Bob would do.
Dave’s wife, a teacher in Strasburg, visited our table to chat with Will who as it turned out is a student at her school. This personal attention and the fact that after 9 PM there will be music and dancing makes Dave Bob’s BBQ and Such much more than a BBQ joint. It is good family fun with a great menu geared to family dining. In other words, there is more than enough food at an affordable price and with plenty of secluded booths and large tables it makes a great place to take a date or for a group of guys looking for a night of hearty eating. Dave’s claim to have built a family restaurant with prices a family can afford is absolutely right on.
Will and Krishele Carter enjoyed their seafood items.
Dave Bob’s hours are Monday through Friday 4 PM until 11 PM and Saturday and Sundays 11 AM until 11 PM. 540-678-0227
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