Article From The Critograph.
The Lynchburg College Student Newspaper.

Driving down Lakeside Drive, it is hard not to notice the San Francisco-like trolley parked outside our neighborhood Chevron, located on the corner of Lakeside Drive.

The trolley belongs to Walter Hughes and his business partner Herlinda Randolph. Inside the trolley is where Pok-E-Joe's Real Texas Q is slowly smoked for 12 to 16 hours at temperatures ranging from 190-210 degrees.

"Yes, it's a long time, but the flavor makes it absolutely worth it. Our spice rubs not only season the meat, it cures it too, developing a crust around each tender slice. That's why after people eat it they say, 'wow this is good,'" Hughes said.

The attention to detail that goes into the creation of Pok-E-Joe's first attracted attention of Lynchburgians when Hughes and Randolph started selling their barbecue on the side of the road. However, it was Daryl Burgess, vice president of Quik-E-Food stores, who liked Pok-E-Joes so much that he asked Hughes and Randolph to move their business inside of the Chevron.

Pok-E-Joe's has made a home for itself inside of Chevron for two months now and has started to gain a following on the Lynchburg College Campus.

"I had the smoked chopped beef plate which comes with two sides. I opted for the really good cream corn [it's official name is "really good cream corn"] and the pinto beans and they give free refills on the pinto beans, which obviously was awesome," senior Felicity Sargent said.

Pok-E-Joe's is unique because it is Texas style barbecue. According to Hughes, you cannot find Texas style barbecue anywhere else in the city of Lynchburg. Their menu features a smoked biscuit which is not featured on other barbecue restaurants menus in the city.

"Just the right amounts of seasoned oak and hickory make out sweet smoke fragrance for our meats," Hughes said.

Hughes maintains that it is the combination of attention to detail that goes into every dish and his desire to satisfy his customer that makes Pok-E-Joes different from other barbecue joints. Every customer gets a free sample and if for some reason their customer is not satisfied, get their money back guaranteed, no questions asked.

"People want to be treated right," Hughes said.

Hughes' eagerness to please have been able to win over the stomach's of some students.

"I had a certain loyalty to a barbecue place down the street, but [the] pulled pork sandwich was the best I have had. Also, the sun brewed ice tea was on point," senior William Dickey said.

As the weather gets warmer, try Pok-E-Joes Real Texas Style Q, with a tall glass of their sun brewed ice tea. Discover how Hughes and Randolph have re-defined the expectations that are associated with gas station food with the delicious barbecue that is sold at Pok-E-Joe's Real Texas Q. Pok-E-Joe's is open Monday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.