Billy Sims Barbecue Hits it Big in Oklahoma

If there is two things Oklahomans love more than anything, it is Sooner football and some good barbecue.

At Billy Sims Barbecue, that is exactly what they get. This barbeque joint combines Billy’s history at the University of Oklahoma with some good, down-home barbeque.

“We focus on the key things like quality food,” manager Mike Kirby said. “We are set apart from other barbeque restaurants because we are also geared towards sports, especially because of Billy’s connection to OU.”

This restaurant has everything that any barbecue lover could want, from the Bevo Plate (beef brisket) to the Pulled Razorback (pulled pork). As for sides, there is Mini-Huskers (corn on the cob) and Sooner Slaw-ter (cole slaw), among others.

“Our sliced brisket sells the best,” Kirby said. “We always get compliments on how tender and juicy it is.”

The walls are completely covered with photographs from Billy’s playing days, giving the atmosphere a warm feeling. There are helmets from all of the Big 12 teams lined up on a partition. You even get a dose of Sooner Magic in the bathrooms, where there are upside down Longhorn stickers in the toilet bowl.

Billy Sims was a running back at the University of Oklahoma from 1975-1979, where he won the Heisman trophy in 1978. After his remarkable career at OU, he was the first pick in the 1980 NFL draft, where he was selected by the Detroit Lions and played from 1980-1984.

His first barbecue restaurant was opened six years ago in Tulsa and has now franchised over 15 other, including one in Norman. The location in Norman was opened on Nov. 4, 2009.

“Billy’s name definitely influences people to come in, especially in Norman,” Kirby said. “They continue to come back for the good food.”

Sooner fans can even meet Billy, if they are lucky. He frequents the restaurant quite a bit to check on things or to get some food.

“Billy sometimes comes in,” Kirby said. “He likes to talk to the customers, it gives their experience a personal touch.”

Those fans can even get their hands on some merchandise. Billy Sims Barbecue sells anything from t-shirts to collector’s cups to an autographed football helmet by the man himself.

After going into this restaurant, people can understand why Billy always says, “It’s not just barbecue… it’s BOOMER-Q!”