Steve Fiske
Former Infantry SGT.
Frankie’s Patriot BBQ is a tribute to
Cpl. Frankie Robert Gross who was killed
in action in Afghanistan on July 16,2011.
Cpl. Gross was killed in action as a volunteer
on a rescue mission.
“After my son was killed, I just lost
interest in working for corporate America,”
his father Craig Gross said, adding, “
there was a time when I wasn’t sure what
I would do”.
What started out as a tribute to his son
has become a tribute to all who have given
the ultimate sacrifice or who
have worn the uniform. The interior
decor is filled with memories
of Frankie and donations from
veterans and others out of respect
for Frankie and his comrades.
There is no shortage of photos,
flags, buttons, pins, patches, etc.
representing every branch of
service.
Corporal Gross’ Army combat
uniform is framed on a wall and
there are several photos that are
visible throughout the restaurant
of him and other service men.
Despite the tragedy of losing a son,
Craig Gross has managed to move
forward with his life and keeping the
memory of his beloved son alive.
Frankie’s BBQ is a growing success.
A friendly staff and an array
of homemade barbecue sauces
have created an impressive
return rate of regular customers.
After only several weeks of being
open, Gross said, “ the business is
doing great”.
The brisket is rumored to be “some of
the best in the country” and the pulled
pork often sells out. Catfish strips and
alligator tail are some other options on
the menu. They prepare St. Louis style
baby back ribs, which are rubbed with
Craig’s secret spices and slowly cooked
for 4 hours. I was very impressed with
the BBQ lamb the
day that I stopped
by. Its tasty sweet
flavor was impressive
enough add to
that a tender, juicy
and unique smoky
taste that was “off
the charts”. Lamb
lovers … DON’T
miss this! Meat is
also available by
the pound.
Some folks like their BBQ “dry” with
a dry rub to give it flavor, others, like
myself enjoy a nice sauce to compliment
the tender smoky meat. Frankie’s
has three homemade BBQ sauces
from which one may choose. Each
of these has its own character,
such as Natalie (sweet & smoky),
Craig’s “Crazy” Sauce which has
a little kick to it and Frankie’s
favorite, a”North Carolina vinegar
based sauce”. Try the onion rings
and you will find them to be tasty
and crunchy. Lightly breaded they
are a very popular appetizer, or
the hush puppies either of these
with a chipotle base sauce.
Save some room for the Bread Pudding
or Reece’s Pieces Peanut Brittle Pie. All
of the prices are reasonable. Beer is also
an option to go along with the rich smoky
fare.
Frankie’s is located at 2364 Keystone
Rd., Tarpon Springs, Fl. 34688. They are
open Tuesday & Sunday from 11 AM to
7 PM, Wed. to Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM
They have party platters and can accommodate
large groups or private parties.
They are also available for private events.
www.frankiespatriotbbq.com you may
also visit their facebook page. E-mail
them at
frankiespatriotbbq@gmail.com
727-935-4838 Telephone.
FRANKIE’S BBQ…I SALUTE YOU!
aste of
North Pinellas 8
/www.frankiespatriotbbq.com
link
