Bell Heir’s BBQ, led by Tyris Bell, has opened a new location at River Oaks Mall, 96 River Oaks Center, Calumet City, Illinois. The restaurant is inside the popular shopping center, giving it greater visibility and easier access for customers across the South Side and nearby suburbs.
Bell Heir’s BBQ Finds New Home at River Oaks Center
The new Bell Heir’s BBQ, a local favorite BBQ destination, has recently opened its new location inside River Oaks Center. Led by Tyris Bell, Bell Heir’s BBQ celebrated its grand opening on Friday, February 6.
The restaurant is inside a long-standing shopping center, making it easy for customers across the South Side and nearby suburbs to visit.
This new opening marks its first location since closing its original Chicago storefront.
The BBQ spot is famous for its slow-smoked meats, blending traditional BBQ techniques with comforting contemporary dishes.
The restaurant announced the opening on social media and thanked the community for its support. The team behind the restaurant shared, “We want to sincerely thank everyone who came out and supported our grand opening. Serving over 100 guests on day one was truly a blessing.”
Founder Tyris Bell brings years of experience in the food industry, including time spent as general manager at Luella’s Southern Kitchen. His approach to BBQ is rooted in family traditions and influenced by regional styles from across the South. Bell has cited his great-grandmother’s recipes as a lasting influence on his cooking.
Speaking about the location, Tyris Bell shared that River Oaks Center is an important part of the community and a place where people come together, something Bell Heir’s BBQ values.
He also added, “For me, it’s always been about honoring where I come from and doing the food the right way.”
Grand Opening Celebrations And Menu Highlights
For its opening day, the restaurant hosted a grand opening weekend event from February 6 through February 8. The restaurant marked the occasion with a special promotion offering buy-one-get-one-half-off deals across the entire menu.
Some popular offerings include smoked rib tips served wet with fries and fried chicken wing combinations, and a brisket burger made with 14-hour-smoked beef.
The menu also features smoked brisket and jerk turkey mac and cheese, smoked meat pizzas, and fries topped with brisket and jalapeños.
In addition to dine-in and takeout service, catering remains a key part of the business. Bell Heir’s BBQ provides catering for corporate events, schools, and other gatherings throughout the Southland.
The opening of Bell Heir’s BBQ at River Oaks Center marks a new chapter for the restaurant in Illinois. It will continue serving longtime customers while welcoming new diners in Calumet City.
