Where Pigs Fly Again!

There are some places in Rome that are more than restaurants. They are landmarks, habits, memories, and comfort food wrapped in brown paper and Texas toast.

Ole Tymer BBQ at Five Points is one of those places.

After a March 17 fire heavily damaged the longtime North Broad Street location, Rome folks have been watching the little log cabin drive-through for any sign of life. This week, those signs showed up. Repairs have started.

That is mighty good news for the breakfast faithful who have made Ole Tymer part of their morning routine, and for everybody who has ever pulled through for a rib plate, a barbecue sandwich, or one of those special orders that regulars understand without needing a menu. Folks are ready to see those pigs flying again.

The barbecue is the reason people are rooting so hard for this comeback. The rib plate with Texas toast is one of my favorites. Sauce on the side, please, because good barbecue deserves a chance to speak for itself before you go decorating it. My longtime favorite sandwich is an off-menu beef brisket and cheddar on Texas toast with grilled jalapeños. I don’t have to ask anymore. The girls just know.

And let’s not forget the big-ticket smokehouse staples. Ole Tymer has long been a go-to for smoked pork butts and smoked turkeys, the kind of food that can save a family gathering, a holiday table, or a weekend when nobody wants to cook but everybody wants to eat well.

Firefighters responded to Ole Tymer at 1001 North Broad Street around 8:22 p.m. March 17. Reports said crews found heavy smoke and fire, but thankfully, no firefighters or citizens were injured. The damage was extensive.

Until Five Points reopens, the Armuchee location at 4534 Martha Berry Highway is still open and serving. So go get some barbecue. The pigs are warming up.