Grace Backyard BBQ walk-up window will launch Thursday

The team behind The Grove’s Grace Meat + Three has announced a second walk-up window concept, Grace Backyard BBQ, which will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, April 30. 

People can place an order or pick up an online order at a new sliding window on the Manchester Avenue side of the flagship Grace restaurant, which is separate from the Grace Chicken + Fish window located on the Tower Grove Avenue side of the restaurant. 

After dining rooms were ordered to shutter last month amid coronavirus concerns, the restaurant had more workers than shifts available, so co-owners Rick and Elisa Lewis conceptualized Grace Backyard BBQ in an effort to give their employees more hours. 

When restrictions are lifted, Rick Lewis anticipates people will likely not dine in as much as prior to the pandemic, so the new concept offers a solution. 

“This walk-up window is temporary, but it will be open as long as people are staying out of dining areas,” he said. “We pride ourselves on being a community-driven restaurant. This concept is just another way to bring the community together. Our friends, family and customers are excited about this new direction. We’re just trying to put out good, casual food at the best price.” 

The Grace team is still working to determine the full menu, but items on offer will include ribs, pulled pork, poultry and brisket, with sides like beans, potato salad, pasta salad and coleslaw. Weekend specials will likely include pork steaks and house-made sausages.  

“I want people to feel like they’re in my backyard grilling,” Lewis said.

Hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday or until food sells out.