Peter Thomas has opened Clifton Bros. BBQ at 292 Parkstone Place in Park Place East.

“We saw a need for it on this side of town,” Peter said, “We knew Eugene (Pickett) was retiring, and (Reggi’s) was a staple in this town for years, and we hated not to have a barbeque restaurant on this side of town.”

Obviously, considering the business the restaurant did when it first opened.

“Very well, the first three days we were open we sold out of food,” Peter said. “A lot of blue collar office folks and interstate (40) traffic.”

Peter said the restaurant is named after a close friend, more like a brother, who passed away – Harold ‘Clifton’ Graves.

“My business partner is Scott Graves, and Cliff was his only brother … his younger brother growing up,” Peter said, “The name just fit.”

Business hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Peter, who also owns Hub City Deli, said Clifton Bros. has 22 employees and offers seating for 64 customers.

“You take care of your staff, the staff will take care of the customers,” Peter said, “It filters through to the guests.”

(PHOTO: Peter Thomas, Clifton Bros. BBQ – courtesy Sea Bass)