[1][2] The restaurant and motel were founded in 1967 by Delars Bracy, a criminal attorney originally from Ruleville, Mississippi,[3] and his wife Bertie.

[5] The restaurant was known for serving Chicago-style barbecue, including rib tips and hot links cooked in an aquarium smoker,[6] using hickory and oak wood.

[7] They began experimenting with the use of the aquarium smoker, a Chicago invention, in the 1960s with help from Leon Finney Sr.[4] It also served barbecue chicken, turkey links and ribs.

[5] It served both a regular barbecue sauce and a "hot" version that was spiced with chili peppers.

[10] Sevier later left to open his own restaurant, Uncle John's BBQ,[11] and was replaced by his apprentice Garry Kennebrew.