Anyone up for some BBQ????

[Guest billwilly73]

This article makes me hungry,

Oliver Springs BBQ sign cooking up controversy

Oliver Springs BBQ sign cooking up controversy

Posted: May 14, 2010 9:53 PM CDT

By JILL MCNEAL

6 News Anchor/Reporter

OLIVER SPRINGS (WATE) - Controversy is cooking over a sign outside an Oliver Springs barbecue place.

Some say it's offensive. But the owner says he's sticking by his message.

"I'm old school barbecue. We only cook with wood. We make everything in-house," says Tom Evans, the owner of Captain Tom's Bar-B-Q on East Tri County Boulevard in Oliver Springs.

"The customers come because it's original, just like the sign," he says.

Evans is proud his new sign is attracting attention.

It reads, "We believe in God. Speak English. Love our country. If not, leave."

"We've got the greatest country in the world," Evans says. "All these people come from somewhere else. We didn't ask them to come. And it's not singling out Latinos or anybody. If you don't like it here, just leave. Don't change our country."

Evans says no one incident sparked his decision to put up the sign last week.

"If you come to America, you should be American. I'm tired of picking up a can of something and having to read my side," he says.

The community response, Evans says, has been overwhelmingly positive.

"People stop and take pictures and stand in front of the sign. They come in and say thank you for putting it up."

One person did contact WATE complaining about the sign, saying it was racist and he was offended driving by. But he declined to speak on camera, so we asked some other people in the area for their opinion.

"I think it's fanatical and it's wrong. It alienates a lot of people," says Charles Getsi of Oak Ridge.

"Tolerance is what we should be all about," adds Jean Getsi, Charles' uncle.

Captain Tom's customers see it differently.

"I'm tired of having to press one or say one for English. We ought to have English as our main language," says Mike Trentham from Clinton.

"This is America and you don't have to be KKK or anything like that just to speak English and love God," says his wife, Carol Trentham.

Despite his sign, Evans says everyone is welcome at his restaurant.

Edited May 15, 2010 by billwilly73
added pic of sign

[Guest fourspdRAT]

I will definatly make it a point to stop by there and grab some food nect time we are up at Windrock.

[Guest Glock23ForMe]

I'd stop in and buy BBQ, for the WHOLE FAMILY

[Guest bkelm18]

Captain Tom's does have some pretty damn good BBQ. Haven't been there in a while. It's only a couple minutes from me.

[BrasilNuts]

I've known Captain Tom for a while now... Well, since before he opened his BBQ joint. He is a good man with not a racist bone in his body. He is a Marine, a sportsman and is as nice a man as you will ever meet. If you haven't tried his BBQ you're missing out.

Edit: Also, if you have ever thumbed through a hunting or fishing magazine you've seen some of his photos.

Edited May 16, 2010 by BrasilNuts

[Magiccarpetrides]

I love some good BBQ....and I love that sign.

[Guest db99wj]

I would go buy some today if I were close.

[Guest mikedwood]

It's some very good BBQ.

[Mike.357]

I have eaten there before, the food was very good and they are supportive of our right to carry.

Edited May 15, 2010 by Mike.357

[Magiccarpetrides]

btw BBQ festival is going on this weekend in Sevierville

[Louisb]

It is his restaurant, his sign, his opinion.

NO reason for any PC stuff.

If I am in he area, I will eat there.

PC as taught today is a tribalism wins mentality and look at every country in the world where tribalism is the basis for their society . . .

Just an opinion

[bubbiesdad]

I will definatly make it a point to stop by there and grab some food nect time we are up at Windrock.

Your tastebuds will thank you, be sure to try the BBQ beans, chunks o meat in them.

[Guest RRM]

Toms BBQ is awesome. i have eaten there tons of times. great guy and great food.

[daddyo]

Captain Tom is a PATRIOT!!!

[Guest 6.8 AR]

I wish we would have gone there instead of Naples, in Knoxville, last night.

[bubbiesdad]

I've known Captain Tom for a while now... Well, since before he opened his BBQ joint. He is a good man with not a racist bone in his body. He is a Marine, a sportsman and is as nice a man as you will ever meet. If you haven't tried his BBQ you're missing out.

Edit: Also, if you have ever thumbed through a hunting or fishing magazine you've seen some of his photos.

Does he serve beer now? I heard he was going to start. Haven't been there for a while.