Four in Fayetteville team to open Big River BBQ.(NW Journal: A Look at News From Northwest Arkansas)

Part-time log homebuilder Nels Danielson, his son and two former employees of famed Herman's Ribhouse have teamed up to open Fayetteville's latest culinary competitor in the world of smoked meat and spicy sauces.

Big River BBQ Inc. is located in a former Sonic Drive-In restaurant on North College Avenue.

The group opened the drive-through-only restaurant on July 8, and Danielson said business had been good. The 24-spot restaurant had been vacant for more than a year. Danielson said he wanted to operate only a carry-out-style restaurant, so the location was ideal.

Danielson said he had developed his "Delta-style" barbecue over the past 50 years and had always wanted to open a restaurant. The combination of slowed building related to his Amish Mill Log Homes and finding partners in Mike Vaughn and J.R. "Jr." Williams, both formerly of Herman's, provided Danielson with the right opportunity.

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Danielson said the partners invested about $50,000 in the venture.

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