Kids weren’t alone sampling new things on Old Settlers
Staff writer
People got a taste of the future during Old Settlers when owners of a future barbecue restaurant handed out preview samples.
Megan and Daryl Jones, now living in Olathe, came to Marion to enjoy the event and hand out barbecue samples so people know what to expect when Bill and Essie’s BBQ opens at 301 E. Main St.
A total of 280 people had a sample.
“We got some pretty good feedback and we were happy with the turnout,” Megan said.
Megan is a 2004 graduate of Marion High School. Daryl grew up in Wichita.
Bill and Essie’s BBQ will offer barbecue inspired by Daryl’s father’s recipes.
“I’ve done some tweaking to them to make them my own,” he said.
His own seasoning blends also are likely to be available for purchase.
The name Bill and Essie’s is a nod to Daryl’s parents. His father’s name was Essie, and his mother’s nickname was Bill.
The couple hope to open before next school year begins.
Meanwhile, renovation is being done to the building. Some of the work must closely comply with requirements for a $25,000 grant the business got.
Getting renovation supplies hasn’t been easy because of supply chain problems and inflation.
“We’re still quite a ways out from opening day at this point,” Megan said.
The restaurant also will serve burgers and fried chicken.
“We plan to have a little sweet shop off to the side of the store with ice cream, homemade candies, chocolates — a great place to come get yourself a treat,” Megan said, “also a great place to come get some dessert after you’ve had some fantastic barbecue.”
“Right now we’re just focusing on having really great barbecue and good food,” Daryl said.
Although the Jones’ aren’t ready to spend every weekend in Marion, they will start taking catering orders before Bill and Essie’s opens.
“We have a limited number of people that we can do,” Daryl said.
Between 3,000 and 4,000 people flocked to Marion to celebrate this year’s Old Settlers Day and attend class reunions.
Parade announcer Alex Case said 53 floats, bands, and horse groups entered the 40-minute parade.
He found some of them creative and interesting.
“There were several I did a double-take with,” Case said.
He liked a float from St. Luke Hospital.
“It looked like something that would have gone down the Santa Fe Trail,” he said.
The sophomore class had another interesting Santa Fe Trail float, Case said.