Big Ken's Bar-B-Q
The Original Detroit-Style BBQ
"Come get some Big Ken's Bar-B-Q, you deserve it!"
How one man's passion for authentic BBQ created The Original Detroit-Style BBQ
Thanksgiving Pre-Orders Are Open
Orders close November 22 at 8 PM Eastern.
All Thanksgiving pre-orders must be placed in person at Big Ken’s Bar-B-Q and paid in full at the time of ordering.
Thanksgiving Pickup Schedule
- Wednesday, Nov 25: Normal hours, 11 AM – 8 PM
- Thursday, Nov 26 (Thanksgiving): Pre-order pickup only, 11 AM – 1 PM. No regular restaurant service.
- Friday, Nov 27: Normal hours, 11 AM – 10 PM
21000 Gratiot Ave, Eastpointe, MI 48021
Big Ken — The Man Behind the Smoke
Where It All Started
Big Ken didn't just open a BBQ restaurant — he built one from the ground up. The journey started in 2007, on the streets and in the neighborhoods of Detroit. Ken was grilling for the community, perfecting his craft one plate at a time — learning in real time, earning respect through consistency, and building a name through hard work, not hype.
But the hustle didn't start with him.
Kenneth Vandiver (Kenny Van)
The inspiration behind it all
The Legacy of Kenny Van
Ken proudly carries the legacy of his father, Kenneth Vandiver — known to many as Kenny Van. Kenny Van was a man of many talents, but cooking and BBQ were his passion. If you were around him, you were never hungry — because he was going to feed you.
From the comfort of his home, he cooked for family, friends, and the community like it was his calling. Food was love. Food was service. Food was how he brought people together.
Big Ken is living out that legacy with pride — and taking it to another level.
In 2016, Ken came back with one barrel grill, setting up wherever the people were and rebuilding from the ground up again. With the help of family, that one grill became something bigger. By 2018, the one grill had grown into eight, with family by his side and a name spreading fast throughout the city.
That same year, Ken met his partner — and together, with the continued help of family, they expanded the vision. They added Mexican street corn and fresh lemonade, and the brand kept growing because the foundation was real: hard work, unity, and love for the people.
By 2019, Big Ken's wasn't just known — it was dominating. The crowds, the consistency, the word of mouth — it was clear the city had embraced what was being built. That domination wasn't accidental. It was earned.
In 2021, the restaurant officially opened — and today, Big Ken's Bar-B-Q stands as The Original Detroit-Style BBQ.
This is a story of legacy, resilience, family, partnership, and community — built from the streets, built through sacrifice, and built to last.
What Is Detroit-Style BBQ?
Detroit-Style BBQ is a bold, sauce-forward barbecue tradition born in the heart of Motor City. It's characterized by deep smoke flavor, rich and tangy sauces, and meats that fall right off the bone.
Unlike other regional BBQ styles, Detroit-Style is defined by its unapologetic boldness — generous portions, signature sauces, and a focus on community. It's BBQ made for gathering, celebrating, and savoring every single bite.
Big Ken's Bar-B-Q created and represents this authentic style — The Original Detroit-Style BBQ.
Our Journey
The First Flames
The journey started on the streets and in the neighborhoods of Detroit. Ken was grilling for the community, perfecting his craft one plate at a time — learning in real time, earning respect through consistency, and building a name through hard work, not hype.
One Barrel, One Dream
Ken came back with one barrel grill, setting up wherever the people were and rebuilding from the ground up again. With the help of family, that one grill became something bigger.
Family, Growth & Partnership
The one grill had grown into eight, with family by his side and a name spreading fast throughout the city. That same year, Ken met his partner — and together, with the continued help of family, they expanded the vision. They added Mexican street corn and fresh lemonade, and the brand kept growing because the foundation was real: hard work, unity, and love for the people.
Dominating Gratiot Ave
Big Ken's wasn't just known — it was dominating. The crowds, the consistency, the word of mouth — it was clear the city had embraced what was being built. That domination wasn't accidental. It was earned.
The Restaurant Opens
The restaurant officially opened — and today, Big Ken's Bar-B-Q stands as The Original Detroit-Style BBQ.
Legacy Lives On
This is a story of legacy, resilience, family, partnership, and community — built from the streets, built through sacrifice, and built to last.
The Early Days
From barrel grills on 8 Mile to dominating Gratiot Ave — these photos capture where it all began
The original barrel grills on 8 Mile Rd (2018)
Family helping at the grill
Mexican Street Corn & BBQ setup
Customers lining up on 8 Mile
The crowd keeps growing
Dominating Gratiot Ave (2019)
The famous Gratiot lines
Word spread fast
Community coming together
Big Ken's Bar-B-Q Restaurant (2021)
The Famous Sauce
At the heart of Detroit-Style BBQ is Big Ken's famous sauce. What started as a family recipe evolved into Metro Detroit's most requested BBQ sauce.
Ken spent years experimenting, tasting, and refining until he achieved the perfect balance — sweet enough to complement meats smoked low and slow, tangy enough to cut through the richness, and with just the right amount of heat to keep you coming back.
Every batch is made fresh with real ingredients — no artificial preservatives, no shortcuts. Just quality tomatoes, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and our secret blend of spices.
Learn More About Our Sauce
What We Stand For
Real Smoke, Real Flavor
Everything is smoked on a real grill in our smokehouse. No shortcuts, no compromises — just authentic Detroit-Style smoke flavor.
Made with Love
Every dish is thoughtfully crafted by Big Ken himself. From our famous sauce to our signature rib tips, love goes into every bite.
Community First
We're more than a BBQ spot — we're part of the Detroit community. Supporting local, giving back, and bringing people together over great food.
Quality Ingredients
We source fresh ingredients from local farmer's markets. No matter the season, you're getting the best quality meats and produce.
Our Family
From catering weddings to serving our loyal customers, every day is a celebration at Big Ken's
Big Ken with Kingsford charcoal
Big Ken's BBQ buffet spread
Signature smoked ribs
Catering a beautiful wedding
Happy customers at the buffet
Fresh homemade lemonades
Food challenge winner
The Big Ken's team serving
BBQ combo platter
Ready to Taste the Original?
Come experience why Detroit calls us the Home of the Original Detroit-Style BBQ
Visit Us
Location
21000 Gratiot Ave
Eastpointe, MI 48021
Hours
Wed & Sun: 11am-8pm
Friday: 11am-10pm