Our Story
More than Great Food
Bobby Bones Barbecue first started just as a shack on the side of the street by Glen Levell. Glen was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky but his father, Robert Levell, was from Kansas City. It was his father who taught him all he knows about barbecue. Bobby Bones is named after Robert Levell who was called by his closest friends, Bobby Bones. The Levell family would host grand barbecues for the whole neighborhood. This is where Glenn's idea of sharing his family's great food started.
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After meeting his wife, Donna Toon Levell, they strived to begin their own restaurant with all the knowledge and recipes Glen's father instilled in them. Sadly, the original "Bobby Bones" passed of a heart attack, a couple months before opening. To pay homage to the man who inspired his dream, he named his restaurant after his father.
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Just as Franklin Avenue grew, Bobby Bones Barbecue grew with it. It has become a staple of the community, with Kentuckians traveling from all over the state to get a taste of Bobby Bones Barbecue. The Food Network has visited the restaurant several times, most notably featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
Heritage
Serving Greatness Since 1966
01
Founded on Family Values
Originally named in honor of the owner's father, Robert Levell, Bobby Bones will and always will be a family restaurant. Glen put all of his family recipes and knowledge his father taught him over the years into Bobby Bones Barbecue.
02
A Little Taste of Kansas
Although, Glen Levell was not born or raised in Kansas, his father was. Glen would often visit as a child and wanted to bring a taste of his family's food to his hometown, Louisville, Kentucky.
03
Home Recipes Brought to the Table
Eating at Bobby Bones Barbecue would be the same as eating at the original founder's dinner table. Each meal at Bobby Bone's is one with family!
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