Some memories have a way of staying with you, vivid and clear, like they happened just yesterday. Picture a drive down Yonge Street in Ormond Beach, the sun dipping low, casting a warm golden light over everything. The windows are down, and the warm Florida breeze brushes against your face.

But it’s the smell that stands out first—the rich, smoky scent of barbecue hanging in the air, irresistible and drawing you closer to its source. This wasn't just any barbecue; it was GILL'S BBQ, the kind of place that once discovered, becomes a destination, not just a stop.

GILL'S wasn't flashy. The building was humble but impossible to miss. Signs are plastered all over the top, each one more mouthwatering than the last: Beef Pork Sandwiches, Brunswick Stew, Pork Beef Platters, Chicken, and Charcoal Burgers. 

The signs make it clear—this is a place where barbecue was more than a meal; it was a lifestyle.

Walking through the door of the old bbq was like stepping back in time. The inside a treasure trove, old newspapers, each piece whispering stories of the past, and walls adorned with license plates—hundreds of them—from every state and beyond. It’s a place where time stood still, and the everyday worries of the world would fade away.

Diners would find themselves at red and white checkered tables, skimming the menu even though they likely already know what they’re going to order. The variety was impressive, with Mac Gilliam's smoked meats taking center stage, each choice promising a feast for the senses. And the prices? It was a time when a good meal didn’t come with a hefty price tag.

The food would arrive served on platters, lined with paper that would quickly soak up the juices from the perfectly smoked meat. Drinks would come in big red hard plastic cups, the kind seen at every family gathering growing up. It’s a simple touch, but it ties everything together, making this meal feel like you were home. 

The real star of the show, though, is the sauce—GILL'S BBQ Sauce. Not too sweet, not too tart, it was the perfect complement to the smoky, tender meat. The kind of sauce that leaves a lasting impression, the kind that makes every other barbecue sauce pale in comparison.

Before leaving GILL'S, there’s one last stop at the counter where Hazel’s Fudge is waiting. It was legendary in these parts, impossible to resist. Many would grab a piece for later, although later often turned out to be just a few minutes down the road.

GILL'S BBQ wasn't just a roadside diner; it’s was an experience. A place where time slows down just enough to appreciate the simple pleasures of a great meal, good company, and a moment that would linger as a memory for many years to come. 

Here's McLaurin 'Mac' Gilliam Sr., tending to the chicken in the original outdoor box smoker, where the magic of Gill’s BBQ all began.

Here’s a glimpse of the early days of the BBQ, showcasing the building and sign as they first welcomed hungry travelers.

After more than 30 years, the mouthwatering, Famous GILL'S BBQ Sauce is making it's triumphant return.

Now, the cherished original family recipe that once defined GILL'S BBQ is back!

We've embarked on a mission to source ingredients as close as possible to those our grandfather used when he first crafted this iconic sauce. Bringing GILL'S BBQ Sauce back to the market is like reviving a piece of culinary history.

Unlike many of today's mass-produced sauces, packed with excessive sugar, artificial smoke flavoring, filers and thickeners, GILL'S Original Bar-B-Que & Steak Sauce stays true to its roots. Enhances the natural flavors of the meat, but never overpowering it - making every single bite more scrumptious.

Each small, hand-crafted batch is made with love, ensuring that you're not just getting the best sauce available today, but also one of the healthiest.

Hartford, Tennesse location
If you ever find yourself lucky enough to be passing through Hartford Tennessee, make sure you take a stop off I-40 and locate Gill's Barbecue and Catering, 3671 Hartford, TN, located near Big Creek Expeditions. 

Mack the 3rd (we call him Briggs) carries on the restuarant with a roadside location that specializes in on-site hickory smoked original recipe barbecue pork and all the fixins! It's the best around! 

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Over the next set of blog posts, you will see a history timeline of the old BBQ in Holly Hill, Ormond Beach, Florida.