You can take Bobby Q’s out of Westport.
But you can’t take Bob LeRose out of our town.
The restaurateur closed his popular Main Street barbecue spot in April 2016.
Almost immediately, a 20-pound tumor was removed from his thigh. It had bothered him for 6 years.
He spent a month in the hospital, and another month relearning how to walk. Finally — after 2 years — he’s off crutches.
Meanwhile, last July he opened Bobby Q’s Cue & Co. in Norwalk. Part of the up-and-coming Waypointe District — around the corner from the former Loehmann’s Plaza, near Barcelona and Colony Pizza — it mixes the old restaurant (some of the furniture and menu items) and the new (upbeat look, evolving menu).
Bobby Q’s Cue & Co., in Norwalk.
Bobby still books bands (without, sadly, a rooftop stage). There’s an acoustic jam every Thursday, and Trivia Night on Wednesdays.
But Bobby remains closely connected to Westport too.
On Saturday, June 9 (12 noon to 8 p.m.), he’s part of Wakeman Town Farm’s Beer Garden. His low and slow BBQ will complement live music, lawn games, artisan vendors, frosty New Belgium Brewery beer, and treats from Saugatuck Sweets.
The other day at the Farm, he taught a barbecue basics class.
Of course, he’s also involved with Blues, Views & BBQ. He started the event — one of Westport’s biggest of the year — and it’s still his baby.
What’s a Blues, Views & BBQ Fest without something from Bobby Q’s?
The Westport Downtown Merchants Association will no longer sponsor the music/food/fun festival.
So he’s partnered with the Levitt Pavilion and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, ensuring that on Labor Day weekend the sounds of blues and the smells of barbecue will continue to draw thousands downtown.
“I’m diving back in all aspects, 100 percent,” Bobby promises.
Mark September 1 and 2 on your calendar. In the meantime, try Bobby Q’s Cue & Co.
The best barbecue in town is now just one town away.
