GEORGIA
“I THOUGHT I COULD RUN A BARBECUE JOINT PART TIME,”
Simmie Nichols tells me. “That was a big mistake. I would call during the day and no one would answer the phone. When I did get ahold of the employees, they told me they needed to run to the store, or some other emergency. It just wasn’t working out. I realized that I had to quit my job or close B-B-Q King.” (Image 40)
Image 40
Growing up in St. Augustine, Florida, Simmie worked at a small neighborhood supermarket with a quick-serve restaurant. He always enjoyed helping out and having the relationships with his neighbors, something that a barbecue joint offers.
Simmie came to Albany, Georgia, to attend Albany State University, where he earned degrees in biology and chemistry. To help pay for his education he worked for Trailways Bus Lines as a ticket agent. He also loaded and unloaded busses.
After graduation Simmie applied for jobs in the sciences.
“When I saw the salaries they were offering for research positions, I went right back to Trailways. I became a bus driver. I enjoyed the work, but after ten years on the road, my wife gave me an ultimatum. Either drive busses or start a family. That is when I went back to Albany State and got a job in their transportation department. I eventually rose to level of Director, in charge of the busses and all their fleet of vehicles. (Image 41)
Image 41: B-B-Q King 701 Lippit Drive • Albany, GA 31701 • (229)438-7470
“I always wanted a barbecue place, and in 1990 I went into business with Marvin Mills. We opened M&N Bar BQ House. He was under the impression that you just opened the door and the people and the money poured in. It doesn’t quite work that way, so I ended up buying him out pretty early on and owning this place outright.
“I love owning a barbecue joint. It’s not for everyone, but it’s for me. I gave up a nice job with great benefits and security, but I don’t regret it for a minute. I always get a kick when one of my customers recognizes me on the street and says, ‘I’d really like a sandwich,’ like I got some in my truck or back pocket.”
SIMMIE NICHOLS’ “B-B-Q KING” PIG EAR SANDWICH
You can’t make silk purses out of ’em, but they do make a tasty sandwich!
Cut up bell pepper and onion and then place in an 8x12-inch aluminum pan with 3 cups water. Sprinkle in the rest of the ingredients. Put plastic wrap on top, followed by aluminum foil. Sit on grill at 375 degrees for 2 to 3 hours. They are done when a plastic fork or toothpick can go through an ear with ease. Serve on white bread, 1 ear per sandwich. Add barbecue sauce, mustard, and hot sauce to taste. You can also cook pig’s feet the same way, but don’t put them in a sandwich.