Carver’s Barbecue Bottles a 30-Year Family Sauce Recipe in Godfrey
GODFREY - Carver’s BBQ is a favorite local restaurant in Godfrey, and now they’re taking their family recipe nationwide.
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Jeff Carver and his mother, Betty Healy, have worked together to develop Carver’s barbecue sauce, which they hope will soon hit shelves across the region. In the meantime, you can enjoy the bottled sauce at the Carver’s BBQ restaurant or at their catered events. Carver and Healy are proud of the work they’ve put in to create a new product bearing their family name.
“Start out small, start out in Godfrey, and start marketing it, and who knows. Maybe it’ll change my family tree. You never know,” Carver said.
Carver started Carver’s BBQ about 30 years ago. He sold pork kabobs at the Alton Expo every year, and he soon expanded to catering.
The family opened their current Godfrey location in 1998. They’re open six days a week.
When they first opened, Carver and Healy worked together to perfect the recipe. Carver knew exactly what flavor profile he wanted, and Healy spent several days figuring out how to achieve it.
Up until a few months ago, the Carver’s team still made the barbecue sauce by “stirring it in a big pot in the back room the old-fashioned way.” But the family decided to try bottling the sauce and selling it as a standalone product. This will give Healy a break while also sharing their family recipe far and wide.
Carver and Healy traveled together to watch the first few bottles come off the assembly line. It was a powerful day.
“It’s kind of a dream come true. Mom and I went down to the production line and watched the first sauce come out,” Carver shared. “It’s a pretty exciting time at Carver’s, kind of a milestone. It was a special day to take Mom down to watch hundreds of bottles come off.”
Now, you can enjoy the Carver’s barbecue sauce at the restaurant or through their catering. You can also stop by the restaurant to purchase your own bottle, or buy a bottle or case online at the official Carver’s BBQ website.
Carver and Healy noted that “passion” has driven them both for the past 30 years. They feel a lot of love for this community, and they are grateful for the Riverbend residents who have supported them. They also thanked the staff members at Carver’s, some of whom have been there for over 20 years. They hope people enjoy this newest venture.
“It’s been a long journey,” Carver said. “I’m blessed with having a really good staff with a strong effort.”
For more information about Carver’s BBQ, including how to get your own bottle or case of sauce, visit their official website.
This featured article is sponsored by Carver's BBQ. To get your business or organization featured on www.RiverBender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.
