On Thursday, June 3rd as guests arrived at 8733 Broadway in La Mesa to welcome I-Que BBQ to our business community, the aroma of barbecue and a hearty welcome from the owners and staff were the first thing you noticed. If you weren’t hungry before you arrived, as soon as you walked in the door and smelled the barbecue aroma, it was all over! Guests were stepping over each other to get to the food area. The crowd had many choices to sample and sample they did! The choices were many, such as – chopped chicken, pulled pork, ribs, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, beans, rolls, fresh samples of desserts like – Pistachio cake, Lemon Zest cake and Triple Threat Chocolate cake. People were in a feeding frenzy as they crowded around the tables to sit or stand to eat their meals and chat with other business owners and guests. The noise level in the room was a great indicator that people were having a great time! Tyrone and Porscha Hopkins, along with their Daughters Kareemah and Kameela and business partner Noemi Preciado, have made a statement by serving great and tasty barbecue and specialty items that are amazing. Add the delicious desserts and they have hit a home run!
I-Que BBQ was started by two educators (that’s why the name “I-QUE” BBQ) that worked together at Horizon Christian Academy producing great food for school parties and catering for celebrations until the school closed. However, the demand for their barbecue items continued and they decided to open their restaurant at 8733 Broadway in La Mesa. Tyrone Hopkins, the Pit Master was the successful head basketball coach (won a state championship) and also the Dean of Students at the school and restaurant partner, Noemi Preciado was the Spanish Teacher at the school for 25 years. These two educators are happy to educate you on the art of delicious BBQ.
They serve their popular items three days a week: Thursday, Friday and Saturday between the hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. So, if you want their barbecue items you better mark your calendar and go in or place an order on those days over the phone to (619) 303-6354 or via their website: www.iquebbqsd.com. Catering orders can be placed anytime, directly to Tyrone at 619–957-8335. That’s the only way you can eat their barbecue on other days of the week.
Photos courtesy of Sandra Small/ Photographer and EvieZphotography.com.