By Robin M. Perry
For the Salisbury Post
SALISBURY — The Foster tradition of serving up some of the best barbecue in town continues at Rick’s Barbeque and Grill on South Main Street as Rick Foster and his son, Robin, keep those plates and home cooked meals coming. Customers new and old, enjoy the friendly atmosphere and plentiful portions.
Rick Foster learned the restaurant business from his parents — who ran F&F BBQ at Greasy Corners in Davie County for many years. Rick watched and learned recipes and techniques for making barbecue like his dad. “At first, I didn’t like it,” says Rick, but before long he was hooked on providing good home cooking to customers.
For more than 30 years Rick has been in the business with time spent at T&F BBQ, Steve’s in Spencer and even at his current location when it was called Chestnut Hill BBQ. He moved back to his current spot last November after occupying what is now Salisbury Grill.
“We have more than doubled the size of the dining area and the parking lot,” he says.
They added a drive through window. Rick also brought part of his vast NASCAR and sports memorabilia collection to decorate his new place.
The menu is extensive and includes daily specials, salad bar, sandwiches and breakfast served all day. Barbecue (naturally) is a favorite and is the special on Mondays — a barbecue plate with two sides for $6.49. Foster uses his dad’s recipe for the red slaw too- adding Cheerwine to the cabbage to give it a little extra flavor. It was good. Another popular item is the chopped barbecue chicken sandwich, with fries and a drink ($5.99). We tried it with a side of fried squash, cooked in their special batter. They offer over a dozen side items and Foster tries hard to buy local produce as often as he can. Rick’s Burger is a 12-ounce hand patted burger — “The biggest one in town,” he claims. It is a lunch special for $7.25.
The meatloaf special on Thursdays with two sides ($6.99) is ordered often, because of its home cooked taste and generous portion. Leslie Norman came to get some recently. “When I’m hungry, this is where I come,” he said. “It is good home cooking and you get your money’s worth,” he added.
The menu also includes 99 cent sausage biscuits and small hot dogs, along with breakfast specials daily. Desserts include fresh cakes and banana pudding.
On Friday and Saturday nights, you can get 60 cent wings or baby flounder from the specials menu, while you enjoy karaoke. “We have had a good response for karaoke and it is amazing to see the talent there is here,” said Foster. All ages participate.
Monday night is Bike Night from 6 to 9 and those bringing their bikes receive 10 percent off their total purchase. Tuesday nights have been busy with Cruise In — classic car night, again with 10 percent off for classic car owners. On Thursdays, they have featured performers.
Rick Foster’s goal is to serve quality food at decent prices by servers who really care about customers. The wait staff is definitely friendly and enjoys their work.
We heard customers comment on the friendly service and great food, which makes it all worthwhile to Foster. Rick’s Barbeque will continue in the Foster tradition as son Robin, and more family follow.
Rick’s Barbeque & Grill is located at 929 S. Main St. and is open Monday-Thursday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
They do catering and take out and will deliver for orders over $25. All uniformed customers receive free drinks.
On Oct. 29, Rick’s is having a celebration day for Toys for Tots. A drop off for Toys for Tots donations until then, the restaurant will have a band and specials all day for this worthy cause.
Robin Perry is a freelance writer. Contact her through the editor’s desk news@salisburypost.com or 704-797-4244.