Bandana's BAR-B-Q Opens 30th Location In Tinley Park

TINLEY PARK, IL — If you're driving down Harlem Avenue just after 167th Street, you may be able to "smell that smoke," as the new Bandana's BAR-B-Q has officially opened for carry-out.

Bandana's is a privately owned family business that originated in 1996, nearly 25 years ago, in Arnold, Missouri. The restaurant opened with a "mission" to provide the best southern-style barbecue you can find. As time went on, the restaurant became a hot spot, crossing state boarders and ventured into Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky and even Indiana. Its newest location in Tinley Park, located at 16200 S. Harlem Ave., is the 30th location the chain currently operates.

The chain is known for its use of real wood pit smokers that operate 24 hours a day, smoking the pork, beef, turkey and other meats the restaurant offers. The meats are coated in a dry rub that contains more than a dozen herbs and spices, and is then smoked for 11-14 hours before served.

CEO of Bandana's BAR-B-Q Rick White said the chain had always wanted to come to the Chicagoland area, and that Tinley Park caught his eye.

"We really liked what was going on in Tinley Park with the area getting revitalized," White said. "We just happen to come across that location there, and thought it would be great for us and our guests."

Although the Tinley Park location has opened for carry-out only, in-door dining is expected to follow in the coming weeks. No specific in-door date has been announced yet, according to White.

"We actually opened quietly last night for dinner for carry out, and we're going to proceed on that path probably for the next week or two," White said. "We just want to make sure it's perfect. I say you only get a chance to do it right once. So we'd like to walk into success versus running into failure."

White said that due to the amount of time and preparation that goes into crafting the meat, the business needs to "really be able to forecast" how much of eat meat needs to be made daily, adding that each piece of meat needs to be treated "as a separate entity."

"I think second to none. You never get tired of eating it ... it holds up well," White said. "We do a lot of carry out business and a lot of catering business because the product really travels well, and it's a lot easier to get that to a venue and have it taste good, versus a lot of other items that you might sell."

The CEO said the loyalty program with the restaurant is one many may be interested in signing up for on their first visit. Rewards are given out on birthdays, milestones for the chain and upon sign up, doughnut holes with powdered sugar on top are rewarded, according to White.

You can learn more about Bandana's BAR-B-Q on its website, or give its Tinley Park location a like on Facebook to keep an eye out for the in-door dining announcement and more.

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