Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill
Nestled alongside Highway 69 in Bremen, Alabama, stands an unassuming but inviting walk-up restaurant where faith, family, and flavor converge.
EG’s BBQ is a family-owned gem that opened to the public over Memorial Day weekend 2023. While the business has been a reality for just a few months, it is the culmination of sixteen years’ worth of dinner table pondering and fervent prayer at the hands of owners Chris and Julia Godfrey.
“We’ve been in ministry for so long, pastoring in places like Eva and West Jefferson, but around the first of the year, we felt led to come home,” says Julia. “And that’s where we are. We’re practically in our own front yard.”
While the Godfreys emphasize that EG’s BBQ is simply their family business and not a proper ministry, their faith is still intertwined in how they run their business and treat their customers. They know that the restaurant and its success are God’s provision, and a deep love for serving others remains at the heart of all they do.
Just before noon on a chilly Friday, EG’s gravel parking lot is filled with vehicles ranging from a shiny Porsche SUV to a well-worn flatbed work truck. But the Godfreys don’t care what you drive; they just want to fill stomachs and hearts. That is made evident by how Chris happily greets every patron who approaches, some with hugs. He knows most of their names, too, and if he didn’t when they arrived, he did by the time they left. After all, Chris is quick to remind that “it’s not just about the meat, it’s about the meet.”
Sitting at long communal tables, diners indulge in quality southern barbecue staples, all prepared on-site. EG’s menu includes tender beef brisket and fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, classic pulled pork, and smoked chicken, showcasing the artistry of slow but purposeful preparation. The main dishes are complemented by homemade sides, including potato salad, coleslaw, mac and cheese, baked beans, and loaded mashed potatoes. And for those with a sweet tooth, delectable desserts such as banana pudding, peanut butter pie, and lemon icebox pie provide the perfect ending to a hearty meal.
EG’s BBQ operates as a true family affair. Julia manages EG’s operations and communications, while Chris is the “man behind the meats,” holding down the fort in the smoke room. Chris’s sister, Destiny Hawkins, shares pitmaster responsibilities with her brother, while family friends Sandy and Stephen Sides are instrumental in aiding with all parts of daily operations. Chris and Julia’s daughter Elin (the “EG” of EG’s BBQ) runs the register, helps serve, and even designed the kitchen layout. This team works to make the restaurant run like a well-oiled machine, ensuring that every customer experiences the warmth of a homemade meal and the camaraderie of a welcoming family gathering.
The Godfreys recently announced that they will be expanding the restaurant’s physical space to include indoor dining, allowing them to further their mission of fostering deeper connections with the local community. Still, for now, they’re happy with how things are and gladly welcome every guest as an extension of their own family. They are committed to savoring each moment, appreciating the current success, and embracing the joy of sharing their passion for barbecue with the community they hold dear.
“We’ve been so blessed; we couldn’t have possibly imagined the way this restaurant would succeed, but we know that is God providing for us,” says Julia. “It has been hard work, and there have been learning curves, but we’ve faced every challenge trusting that He will continue to guide us on this incredible journey.” WL
EG’s BBQ, located at 235 Co Rd 57 Bremen, AL 35033, is open Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., unless sold out before 6.
Follow EG’s BBQ on Facebook for updates.
