Country Time BBQ

Country Time BBQ owners Lawrence and Jennifer Barkers, onetime partners in life but now divorced and just business partners, remain true to one style of barbecue: their own. And it's so good that friends begged them for years to start a 'cue restaurant. Finally, the two relented and opened up a BBQ joint in Sheridan. Jennifer contributed a barbecue sauce recipe from her grandmother, who comes from Mississippi; Lawrence supplied the secret smoking technique. (He uses two kinds of wood, but he won't even tell Jennifer what they are.) Together they started building a takeout and catering business. The menu is basic, but it includes stellar brisket, pork and chicken staples plus a handful of sides -- all of which are exemplary, even if they hew to no tradition but the Barkerses' own.