Business

Ex-Lion Billy Sims Expanding Local Footprint With Another Barbecue Joint

March 31, 2014, 3:56 PM by  Allan Lengel

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Star running back Billy Sims may long be long gone from the Lions, but he's making a comeback in the Detroit area.

Sims,  co-owner of Billy Sims Barbecue, is opening a fourth franchise in the Detroit area, this time at Woodward Avenue and 14 Mile Road in Royal Oak.

A company spokesman said the restaurant is slated to open  April 11.

The spokesman said Sims may not make it to the grand opening but is expected to make an appearance at the new restaurant some time after that. The spokesman said the company has more than 40 franchises, the majority of which are in Oklahoma.

Other locations in Metro Detroit include Troy, Lincoln Park and Southfield. More are expected to open in the Detroit area, the spokesman said.

Sims attended Oklahoma University  where  he won the Heisman Trophy. He was the Lions first draft choice and he played for the team from 1980 to 1984.  

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Sims started the barbecue franchise in 2004 with co-founder Jeff Jackson.

The menu includes the Lions Plate (beef brisket), Pulled Razorback (pulled pork), Texas Steak (bologna) and The Running Back, (rib dinner).

“This restaurant is something I’m very excited about,” Sims says on his website. “We’ve got a fun, family oriented, tailgate kind of atmosphere here and some of the tastiest and most tender brisket and ribs around. It’s truly a celebration of good food and good football – a place to kick back and enjoy yourself.”

 

 



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