Ol' Pokes BBQ

02/10/2026

Ol Poke’s is still cooking through the winter!

Even though it’s cold outside, we’re still firing up the smokers, keeping the sauce warm, and serving up what you know and love. Winter might slow things down a bit, but our love for good BBQ and our community never does.
And speaking of community.....

Life can change in an instant. Our friend Kevin suffered two strokes recently and, thanks to incredible medical care, is now home and working hard in therapy three times a week. The road to recovery is long, and his family needs our prayers, support, and love.

A benefit for Kevin and Jodi Schaumburg will be held at the Herscher American Legion on Saturday, February 28, from 5–11 PM. There will be cash boards, baskets, and a silent auction, and a $25 donation at the door helps cover medical expenses, travel, and lost wages. Every dollar goes directly to supporting them as they navigate this challenging time. Bring cash if you can.

Ol Poke’s BBQ is honored to provide food for the event. All food is being donated at cost so more resources can go straight to the family—our small way of helping, while letting the community come together for someone in need.

Also happening that day is a benefit for the Limestone Reapers travel baseball team, which Cayson plays for. While that event is another example of our community spirit, our hearts are especially focused on Kevin and his fight to regain his strength.

Come share a meal, bid on items, say a prayer, and show Kevin that he’s not walking this road alone. Every gesture, every moment, every person there makes a difference. ❤️

https://facebook.com/events/s/share-the-love-benefit-for-kev/762121729777864/

11/26/2025

Every Thanksgiving at Ol Pokes starts early. Real early. I am out in the garage at three thirty in the morning firing up the smokers while most of the world is still dead asleep. It is quiet out there. Just me the fire and that first wave of smoke rolling out into the cold. It is the kind of peace you only get before the day wakes up.

Then eight o’clock hits and that peace gets destroyed in about five seconds.

Because that is when the same crew of guys shows up. They are not helpers. They are not volunteers. They are customers and friends who figured out years ago that if they wander into my garage at eight a.m. with a cooler they can drink beer and hide from their wife’s honey do list without getting caught.

They walk in like they are punching a time clock. One cracks a beer before he even says good morning. One claims he has been up since five even though his hair still looks like he lost a wrestling match with his pillow. Another takes the best chair in the garage and gives me a nod like thanks for saving it for me. And not a single one touches a turkey. They just stand around drinking laughing and creating the kind of Thanksgiving chaos that has somehow become a tradition.

And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

But mixed in with all that fun is something that means a lot to me and my family. A few years ago we started making extra turkeys and getting them to local families who needed a little help making Thanksgiving happen. No attention. No bragging. Just doing what felt right.

Then something really special happened. The last couple years our customers started adding to it on their own. Buying an extra turkey. Slipping a little extra into the pot. Quietly saying make sure this helps someone out. No pressure. No expectation. Just good people doing good because that is who they are.

And that right there is why this tradition means something. Because it is not just us. It is all of you.

So from me my wife and my kids we want to say something that does not get said enough. We are thankful. Not just for the turkey customers who make Thanksgiving morning what it is. But for every single person who has supported Ol Pokes. Every wedding we catered. Every graduation party. Every ball tournament. Every company lunch. Every backyard gathering. Every event big or small where someone trusted us to feed their people.

You all are the reason we get to do what we do. You are the reason this little business keeps growing. You are the reason we get to keep turning a simple idea into something that reaches more families every year. We see it. We feel it. And we could not be more grateful.

And who knows. Maybe this year the tradition grows again. Maybe it helps another family or two. That is the beautiful part. When a community like this is behind something it always finds a way to get bigger.

But one thing is certain. At three thirty a.m. I will be out there with the smoker warming up. And at eight the garage door will open and the usual crew will pour in like they have an important job they will never actually do.

And honestly that is exactly how Thanksgiving is supposed to start at Ol Pokes.

11/21/2025

Turkey Day is one week away!

We did a “trial run” and shocker it’s just as mouthwatering as ever. Okay fine… we just couldn’t wait. 🤤

Don’t forget to get those last-minute orders in ASAP for this delicious goodness 815.662.7622!

05/15/2025

04/24/2025

If you're reading this, it's too late — the brisket’s probably gone.
But hey, we saved you a rib.

12/22/2024

Love the shimmer of a Glazed spiral ham.

12/08/2024

Christmas season is officially upon us! 🎄
Keep us in mind for any and all of your holiday needs!