When PhatBoys BBQ owner, James Hunt, heard the news about the Gruszeczka family facing a tragic and unexpected medical crisis, he knew immediately he wanted to help.
The doors to Hunt’s barbeque restaurant haven’t officially opened but that hasn’t stopped him from announcing a lunch special fundraiser on Wednesday, June 5, from 11-2. Guests can enjoy a pulled pork sandwich with baked beans and slaw for $12, a sandwich only for $8, mac and cheese for $5, or pulled pork mac and cheese for $10. The community will get a preview of the PhatBoys BBQ staple menu items while supporting a local family with medical expenses.
Chloe Gruszecka, a biology major on a pre-med track at Augustana College and a KHS 2021 valedictorian, was hospitalized after the discovery of a large mass in her brain. Her progress toward recovery is surpassing all surgeons’ expectations, but there are significant unknowns moving forward. All proceeds for Wednesday’s event will go directly to the Gruszeczka family.
Hunt said he is thrilled to bring his BBQ business to his hometown of Kewanee. The focus at PhatBoys is sizzling southern-style food in a family-oriented atmosphere.
He grew up grilling out with his dad and dreaming of one day owning a restaurant or food truck, he said. After trying several other career paths, including working throughout the south in machinery, Hunt found himself back in Kewanee running pop-up food events at Hog Days, the Henry County Fair, the Enchanted Pumpkin Festival, and the Veterans Day Giveaway at Good’s. As his food gained popularity, he started working through Time-Out Pub & Grub to offer his renowned barbecue pulled pork and smash burgers.
While he enjoyed working with Pub & Grub owners Taurean Bond and Gaby Solano, he seized his opportunity when The Station restaurant, located at 300 W. Third St., was listed on the market and a local investor offered to help Hunt establish his own restaurant.
Hunt has since completely renovated the building, tearing it down to the studs and adding a large fenced-in patio area with the town’s largest sandbox and stage/dance floor area for live entertainment.
His main goal is creating a place the whole family can enjoy safely, where kids can play comfortably while parents relax with a great meal. Hunt plans to open around Father’s Day, with the menu featuring his old standbys along with brisket, steak, mac and cheese, massive chicken planks, and more. The restaurant will be managed by Dave Vereecke, who brings extensive industry experience, to help run the day-to-day operations.
What Hunt seems most excited about, though, is this chance to bring the community together and promote all the positives he sees in Kewanee. He has been blown away by the support he has received from other small business owners, and he hopes to celebrate the way Kewanee citizens rally together in times of need to support families such as the Gruszeckas.
Support for Chloe and her family can be offered through Wednesday’s lunch special at PhatBoys, a GoFundMe page, and an upcoming T-shirt fundraiser.
Many local businesses have chipped in for this event, including Illinois Fence and Outdoor Co., Mikayla Sonny Skin & Beauty Studio, Phillip Esquer and Andrew Welgat at Arrow Real Estate, GB Pressure Washing, Amber Patch-Troxell Insurance, Splat Ink, and SoundSmith Entertainment, along with many individuals who have made sizable contributions.
