Five years ago, Dennis Warren opened B&K Bar-B-Que with no experience and during that time has made many residents happy that he did.

Customers gravitate to his small location along Lay Dam Road in Clanton, following the smell of the smoky aromas that are often associated with barbecue.

“It’s been fun, and the customers have seemed to except us over that time,” Warren said.

We really work hard on keeping the quality of the food high, even if that means sometimes throwing stuff away that you don’t want to,” Warren said. “If I wouldn’t eat it, nobody else should have to either.”

Warren drove a truck for 22 years prior to taking over the business from his friend. B&K Bar-B-Que was officially opened on July 7, 2011.

He had never before orperated a barbecue restaurant or prepared enough food to feed hungry customers on a daily basis.

“My wife thought I was crazy, but you don’t ever know what you can do until you try,” Warren said. “If you let your fear control you, you’ll never get anywhere.

Sandwiches are the most selling item, while Warren also prides himself in his tender ribs.

“I had to figure it out on my own,” Warren said.

Five years is a long time for any business, especially in the ultra-competitive barbecue business in the south.

According to Warren, he has never paid much attention to other restaurants around, and instead reverses the roles and views himself as the top competition that everyone else is chasing.

B&K Bar-B-Que is open Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is closed Sundays.