Machesney Park is the new pit-stop for backyard picnic style food. JK Marley's Big Papa's Barbecue opened its doors this morning. It's on the corner of Harlem and North 2nd Street. The restaurant menu consists of smoked ribs, chicken, pork sandwiches, with our choice of sides, and it's all topped off with Big Papa's award winning barbecue sauce.

Owners Kimberly and Jamie Farley made the sauce in their very own kitchen. However, it's the stateline's turn to give it the finger-licking good test. "It puts a smile on every ones face. Its a comfort food. You can feel sad, but once you have something good it puts a smile on everybody's face", says Mr. Farley. Today, Big Papa's, JK Marley's barbecue sauce can be found in Michigan, Wisconsin, and 12 Illinois cities, including locally at Logli's, Woodman's, Pinnon's, and Main Street Meat, among other locations in the Rockford area.

Big Papa's Barbecue is located 8010 N. 2nd Street; store hours are Monday-Saturday 11am - 8:30pm.