The Founder of Chili's is Opening a Richardson BBQ Joint

Veteran restaurateur Larry Lavine, founder of the much-mocked (and yet, still ragingly successful) mega-chain Chili's, is working on a new barbecue joint in Richardson, TMBBQ revealed on Tuesday.

Today, a press release offers more details on Lavine's new project: Ten 50 BBQ is slated to open sometime this summer in a newly remodeled building on North Central Expressway just north of Arapaho Road, encompassing a whopping 10,000 square feet and 275 seats.

If visions of Chili's and authentic barbecue joints aren't quite reconciling in your head, consider this: Lavine says Ten 50 is inspired by the philosophy "that authentic Central Texas-style BBQ is the state's greatest comfort food," and says his team "traveled the state over many years sampling the best BBQ and talking to top pitmasters, from highly acclaimed BBQ joints like Franklin and Snow's to hole-in-the-wall places."

Like the 'cue joints that inspire it, Ten Fifty intends to "smoke its meats using nothing but wood," rather than the gas-powered cookers utilized at uninspired barbecue chains such as Dickey's. Additionally, all the sides and accompaniments will be made from scratch, including house-brined pickles, fries, bread, "housemade butter crust pies," and even house-smoked bacon in the German-style potato salad.

· Ten 50 BBQ is Coming [TMBBQ]
· More barbecue coverage [-EDFW-]

[Image: Ten 50 BBQ]