Shout out to the magic and generosity of Eddie Nero, founder of Big Ed’s BBQ in Waukegan and his staff for their 10th annual free Thanksgiving dinner!
On Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27th), all are welcome at Big Ed’s BBQ (651 Lakehurst Rd in Waukegan) for free complete Thanksgiving dinner to whoever needs one from noon-4pm. The meals will feature turkey, ham, cornbread dressing, gravy, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. They invite anyone working, first responders, anyone alone for the holiday, or without a home to share the holiday meal with them. Patrons can either dine in at the restaurant or carry-out, no reservations needed and no questions asked. Curbside pickup will be limited to 2 dinners per car.
Eddie, a native of the South Side and long-time resident of Waukegan and disabled veteran, opened his restaurant in 2008 after a lifelong joy of cooking with his wife Kim and co-owners Rhonda Gage and Katie Sullivan. Since then, Big Ed’s has won many competitions, including best rib tips and pulled pork in the North Chicago Rib Cook Off, voted best BBQ in Chicagoland by The Score, and has been featured on WGN and ABC 7.
Big Ed’s shared on their social media that this just is their way of saying thank you to the community for their support.
Remember to celebrate your magic too!