ASHDOWN, Ark. - Big Gilley's has been serving up its modest but flavorful menu and side dishes for three years. Featuring recipes developed by owner Matt Gilley, a former welder with an entrepreneurial streak, Gilley learned patience and planning his moves carefully.
"I came from Ashdown originally," said Gilley. "This is home. But I went away and learned welding, mostly practicing in Ft. Worth. However, even then, I knew I wanted to put out my own shingle. I went from a welding tradesman to my own business, and even my own welding school. But I've always had an interest in the restaurant business. So, when I came home to Ashdown to be close to family, I took my time, slow-cooked my next idea, if you will."
He fund himself drawn to his restaurateur's dream, specifically barbecue. He learned the art of the grill is one that rewards patience.
"A burger is a quick dish," said Gilley. "I love burgers, but wanted to do something else. The challenge of the grill was what I went after. But that skill set demands patience. You can't rush it. The process is one that takes hours."
So Gilley perfected his grilling and worked out the recipes. Then, three year's ago, Big Gilley's was born, in a food trailer just on the other side of the railroad tracks. But now, the time has come for the next move.
"Herb's Diner has been serving it up in Ashdown for over 70 years," he said. "And now, they have decided it is time to retire. And after talking, they sold the place to me."
However, Herb's Diner is not going anywhere. The same crew is staying on, making the same things its customers have always enjoyed all these years. However, in addition, Big Gilley's barbecue, with Gilley's own recipes and special items like his own approach to jalapeno poppers and his variation called "Arkansas Twankies."
"You have to come try one to see what it is all about," he said.
Herb's is under new ownership as of Monday. Gilley's crew will take about a month to completely transfer over his mobile kitchen to the location.
As to what the restaurant business is like, Gilley says it is something else.
"Crazy making," he said. "But I love it.
(Big Gilley's original location is 211 NW Front St. in Ashdown. Herb's Diner and the coming new location of Big Gilley's is 116 Dutch Webster Drive, Ashdown, Arkansas.)