'Nothing but love': Family brings its popular BBQ from California to central Illinois

For Tony Bitten, most days begin by 3:30 a.m. – well before the sun brightens the morning sky. By 4:15 a.m., he has arrived at work and is preparing food for customers to enjoy during lunch.

Bitten and his family opened Underground Backyard BBQ in Williamsfield on Jan. 16. He and his wife, Dalaia, said the restaurant – situated at 102 E. Gale St. – has garnered a positive response from the community so far. As the business continues, Tony hopes to see that turnout and support grow.

“We’re going to make Williamsfield famous,” Bitten said.

From Bakersfield to Williamsfield

Years before opening in Knox County, Illinois, Bitten began the BBQ business in Bakersfield, California.

Bitten said he was the person who typically cooked for family gatherings. After their children started operating a relatively successful lemonade stand in the front yard, Dalaia said her husband decided to share his BBQ with the community.

They set up a stand with free brisket samples in the yard. By the end of the first day, Tony said they had earned around $500 in tips. Various local news stations eventually covered the family business, and Dalaia said the operation became “really successful.”

“It was extremely crazy, the way that it just took off,” Dalaia said.

Yet, she said the COVID-19 pandemic eventually took a toll on the business. Along with this, Tony said they faced a high cost of living in California and were ready to make a change to a “more organic life.”

That change led them to Illinois, where they settled into a house that is more than a century old.

Though Tony said he initially planned to retire after the move, Underground Backyard BBQ was soon revived. The family set up shop at the Elmwood Farmers Market. As the seasons changed and the weather cooled, however, Tony said the family was unsure where the business would operate during the winter.

“We got a call about the guy who owned this place – which was The Truro – was closing down,” Tony said. “And he just wanted to know if we were interested in operating out of here, and I’m like, ‘Absolutely.’”

Dalaia said they made the space “completely our own” after securing the location.

Inside, customers will now find black, white and red wood accent walls. BBQ-themed signage and décor adorns the walls and a framed article from Bakersfield, California, is displayed for guests to see.

Dalaia said the aim is to provide guests with a homey feel. The building included a fireplace nestled in the corner of the dining area. Above the mantle, movies play on the restaurant’s TV.

“(We) just wanted to feel cozy and warm and you’re getting your belly filled up with some good food,” she said.

What is on the menu?

The menu at Underground Backyard BBQ features a variety of meats, sandwiches, sides and more. According to Tony and Dalaia, popular menu items include:

• Brisket plate – which is served with two sides – for $18.

• Meat sampler for $35 or as a plate for $40.

• Pulled chicken sandwich for $8 or as a combo meal for $15.

On Tuesdays, the business offers a special which features brisket tacos. Tony said the special turned a previously slow day into one of the restaurant’s busiest days.

Behind the business’s counter, customers will also find Dee’s Coffee Bar. The menu includes muffins and various coffee products.

Underground Backyard BBQ gets its coffee beans from Kickabrew Coffee Co. and Dalaia said the owners helped train them, as well.

And Dalaia said the support for the BBQ business has not stopped there.

“Oh my gosh, it has been so much support,” she said, “and not just from local businesses, but just from the community.”

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‘Nothing but love’

Dalaia said high schoolers and other community members helped paint the building ahead of opening. She said there are also locals who have brought firewood for “The Beast” – which is the restaurant’s smoker.

“The Truro was kind of like the hub and then you got these strangers coming in, so we were worried,” she said. “We were worried a little bit about, you know, how they would receive us. But it's been nothing but love.”

Though Underground Backyard BBQ is situated in Williamsfield, Tony said many customers are from out of town. He estimated 85 to 90% of the restaurant’s business comes from surrounding towns, Peoria or those traveling through the area.

Moving forward, Tony hopes support for the business continues to grow. He said eventually, they may consider other locations, but for now, he wants to “see how this first year plays out.”

Looking back at the first four months, Dalaia is grateful for the opportunity to spend each day with her husband and teach her children about business ownership. She said working alongside her family has been the “best part of this whole thing.”

“It’s priceless,” she said, “priceless.”

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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Family brings its popular BBQ from California to Illinois