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KB Bar B Que celebrates its one-year anniversary in Marion

BY LILA H. COLLOTON, For The Southern

Sunday, May 11, 2008 9:26 AM CDT

MARION - Anyone who stops by for a bite to eat at the former Pulley's Barbecue on Old Illinois 13 in Marion will notice a change in ownership. Kevin and Michelle Borum opened the business under their name, KB Bar B Que, on May 7 of last year. This week marks their one-year anniversary.

After owning Pulley's for 31 years, Chuck and Janice Shahadey decided to sell the restaurant and now own Chuck's Barbecue in Herrin. They sold Pulley's to Jaret Blumenstock, but for various reasons, Blumenstock backed out after seven months in business.

On March 9, 2007, the Borums bought the restaurant after their barbecue business in Goreville was damaged from an electrical fire two months earlier.

Although the new owners have changed the restaurant's name, many of the memories of Pulley's live on. Not only was Pulley's a popular eatery, but also a great place to gather and socialize with friends over a cup of coffee.

Many Marion residents believe Pulley's was the oldest active restaurant in Marion dating back to 1923.

Shortly after Old Route 13 was constructed, Jim Boles decided to open a barbecue stand near the Williamson County Fairground. Boles had a reputation for making some of the best barbecues in Southern Illinois. He later moved his business across the road and continued to manage it until he sold it to Edgar Pulley, who had quit his job as a miner.

With the help of his wife and two sons, Wendell ("Hawk") and Odell, Pulley continued the same tradition of serving good barbecue; customers could dine in or pick up carryout orders.

One of the family's highlights was selling more than 18,000 barbecue sandwiches in one day at a Republican rally at the fairgrounds.

Chuck and Janice Shahadey of Herrin bought Pulley's when Hawk and Odell retired. They had heard about Pulley's from Chuck's father, who delivered Colonial bread to the restaurant. The Shahadey family owned Chuck's Barbecue on North Park Avenue in Herrin, so Chuck and Janice were familiar with the barbecue business.

Today, much of the friendly atmosphere remains and the food is as good as ever. KB Bar B Que is open at 5:30 a.m. Monday thru Saturday and closes at 8 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Sunday.

KB's meals include chopped and sliced barbecue and there are nightly specials after 5 p.m. Ribs and pork chops are served on Friday and Saturday. Kevin also makes homemade pies, including coconut, chocolate and banana.

The Borums also offer a year-round catering service. Just before Christmas, Kevin catered a party for 400 in Marion.

Vic Lovel has lived in Marion 14 years. He said he has been coming to the restaurant for the food and friendship ever since he moved to town. He brings his wife, Susan, with him.

"She is a retired guidance counselor," he said proudly. "I have a son, Larry, who is a principal in the middle school at Red Bud. But my pride and joy are my grandsons Gavin (18 months) and Peyton (6 years old). They keep me in line while I am at KB's."

Rudy Boester of Marion returned to Marion in 1985 after spending 21 years in O'Fallon.

"I bring my wife, Jean, with me almost every day they are open. We really enjoy the company," he said.

Richard Poe and Larry Lee, both of Marion, said they also enjoy coming for the good food and good conversation.

"We are thrilled that all of our employees have come with us from Goreville," Borum said, "Michelle and I feel that they are all a part of our family. I am truly thankful and humble to own this business and also pleased that it is so close to our home in Marion, so we can continue to be involved with our children's activities."

One son, Dustin, 19, is now attending McKendree College in Lebanon and another, Darrick, 17, is a senior at Marion High School. They both help at the restaurant when they are available. The Borums' daughter, Megan, who is 14, is a cheerleader at the junior high and is looking forward to helping when she turns 16.