If you’re hungry for some fine barbeque and to help some folks who’ve been burned out of their apartment you’re in luck.
Josh Gilreath, the owner of award-winning Tennessee Rebel Barbeque is hosting an event on Sunday November 9 that’s called “Where there’s smoke there’s family.” It will be held at Holy Smoke Cigars at 6729 Ringgold Road from 1 to 7 p.m.
“Basically, I’m going to cover the cost of the groceries and then everything else is going to my friend Krystal Davis,” Gilreath said Thursday afternoon.
Krystal and her significant other, Ronnie, lost everything they own in the October 23rd fire that destroyed their apartment at Germantown Gardens.
On that fateful day, Krystal was up at 4 a.m. and took her dog Barkley out to do his business. When they were outside, Krystal smelled something like plastic burning. A few minutes later she saw evidence of fire on a neighbor’s balcony. She immediately called 911 then went door-to-door alerting her neighbors to the fire. Fire officials said that as a result of her quick actions, she most probably helped save some people’s lives.
Davis, a long-time employee of the Food Lion on Ringgold Road, moved to the 200-plus unit complex about a year ago. She lived next door to the Gilreaths on Maryland Drive for more than a decade.
“She’s become family to us and we just want to help out,” Josh said.
Josh said he is preparing barbeque plates; hickory smoked chicken or pork, with two sides that will be offered for $15. Sides include tater salad, slaw, mac and cheese, and baked beans. If you want more sides, and believe me, you will, that will cost you an extra four bucks. Banana pudding will put the finishing touch on the feast for an additional five bucks.
Don’t be surprised when you attend the event if you find yourself breaking bread with some local people with “juice.” Gilreath said the East Ridge City Council is expected to support the event, along with Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett, who I’m told can put away some BBQ.
Trust me when I say that Josh Gilreath has a gift when it comes to serving up some delicious fare. The added bonus to a full stomach will be a full heart when you know that you’ve helped some fine people get through a very tough time.
See you there, neighbors.
