CRESTVIEW — Six months after a fire wrecked his grand opening, Naaman Eicher’s Buddy’s View BBQ is open for business.
“My opening day (was) Valentine’s Day, because you know my website is www.ILuvBBQ.us,” Eicher said.
Buddy’s View, named for Eicher’s 12-year-old son, was just days from opening when a July 29, 2014, fire scorched the trailer's south end.
It took a half-year of wrangling with the insurance company and yet another refurbishment of what had once been Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s merchandising trailer before the scent of barbecue was again wafting across the parking lot in front of the Waterfront Rescue Mission.
“That first refurbishment was a year-long process,” Eicher said. “You can imagine my feelings the night of the fire. I’m past all that, and excited to be opening.”
15 NEW JOBS
Buddy’s View eventually will hire 15 full- and part-time employees, including two shifts of five workers in the trailer and five drivers for home or business delivery.
Buddy’s menu features pulled pork, sliced ham, lean beef brisket, smoked pulled chicken, smoked sausage, smoked turkey and ribs.
In a nod to Eicher’s Louisiana heritage, smoked chicken and andouille gumbo are also on the menu.
The eatery’s “sloppy dog,” a cut-up hotdog swimming in chili and cheese, is Buddy’s creation, Eicher said. “My son insisted we serve a sloppy dog,” he said.
To train his staff, Eicher held a soft opening Friday, inviting Crestview first responders. It was also a way to thank Crestview firefighters, who saved most of the trailer from the July fire.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
“I can’t say enough good things about the people of Crestview,” Eicher said. “Everybody has been so supportive through this. Not only are people coming by wanting to know when we’re opening, there’s horns honking and thumbs up.”
The most touching moment came when he was having dinner on the outdoor deck at Angel’s Speakeasy and Saloon, and started chatting with folks at the next table. He mentioned he was the owner of Buddy’s View, and one of the women said, “Oh, I called your fire in.”
“Of course I thanked them profusely and bought her dinner,” Eicher said.
Eicher also thanked his family for seeing him through the challenges of the last half year, particularly his wife, Vicki.
“She’s very tolerant of me opening on Valentine’s Day,” Eicher said. “She and Buddy have been a tremendous support.”
WANT TO GO?
Buddy’s View BBQ is in a black trailer in front of the Waterfront Rescue Mission, 1975 Ferdon Blvd. S., Crestview. Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Drive-through, pick-up and delivery are available. Call 902-1206 for more information.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Barbecue eatery opens 6 months after blaze delays opening