Hoppy's Hickory House Bar

In the past year, Hoppy’s Place in Batavia Township has undergone a transformation.

The business was closed for about six months while it was completely remodeled with a new kitchen, new televisions, new roof and new sign.

“We redid everything,” owner David Eads said.

The restaurant also got a new name – Hoppy’s Hickory House BBQ Grill – to emphasize a new menu featuring hickory-smoked barbecue ribs, pulled pork, chicken and chicken wings.

It reopened in August.

Eads has owned Hoppy’s for about 15 years. It was known as Hoppy’s long before that, so when he renamed the restaurant he kept Hoppy’s because of name recognition.

But the new emphasis is on the barbecue menu, with the meat smoked right outside the front door in a wood smoker.

In the past, the establishment was known primarily as a bar, with a few items available from the kitchen.

Drinks are still served, Eads said, but there is more emphasis on the food.

“We wanted to make it more of a family place,” he said. “A place where you could bring your wife or daughter and feel safe.”

In addition to the hickory-smoked entrees, customers can order more traditional items like hamburgers and sandwiches.

Eads offers carryout, which accounts for a lot of his business.

A full-slab of ribs costs $19; a half slab $13.

“I’ve got the best ribs in town,” he said.

Entertainment includes karaoke nights and an occasional live band. There is a juke box and pool tables available for customers.

Eads’ daughter-in-law, Danielle Eads, works at the restaurant.

She said one of the strong points of the restaurant is that “it’s a family business.”