Bell Heir’s BBQ Opens New Location at River Oaks Center

Bell Heir’s BBQ Opens New Location at River Oaks Center

Calumet City, Ill. — Acclaimed pitmaster Tyris Bell is ushering in a new chapter for Bell Heir’s BBQ with the opening of a new location at River Oaks Center in Calumet City. The restaurant officially opened Friday, February 6, following the closure of Bell Heir’s original Chicago location.

Now situated inside one of the Southland’s most established shopping destinations, Bell Heir’s BBQ continues its tradition of bold, soulful barbecue rooted in family, patience, and craft—while expanding access to new and returning guests.

Why This Location Matters

The move to River Oaks Center marks a strategic evolution for Bell Heir’s BBQ, placing the brand at the intersection of retail, dining, and community life on Chicago’s South Side. With strong regional foot traffic, easy access from surrounding neighborhoods, and year-round visibility, the location allows Bell Heir’s BBQ to grow sustainably while preserving the authenticity that built its loyal following.

“River Oaks Center brings people together every day,” said Bell. “That sense of connection is what Bell Heir’s BBQ has always been about.”

Signature Menu Highlights

Bell Heir’s BBQ is known for slow-smoked meats, comfort-driven sides, and inventive dishes that honor classic barbecue traditions while pushing them forward. Menu highlights include:

Smoked BBQ Rib Tips, served wet with fries — Small $11 | Large $17.99

Rib Tips & Buttermilk Fried Chicken Wing Combos, served with fries — starting at $15.99

14-hour Smoked Brisket Burger, featuring Slagel Farm beef, fried pickles, American cheese, and brioche — $11.99 (single) | $18.99 (double)

Smoked Brisket Mac & Cheese, baked with bacon bits and BBQ sauce — $11.99 (small) | $18.99 (large)

Smoked Jerk Turkey Mac & Cheese, made with house cheese sauce — $13.99 (small) | $24.99 (large)

16-inch Smoked Brisket Pizza or Smoked Jerk Turkey Pizza — $29.99

Smothered Fries, layered with cheese, smoked brisket, and jalapeños — $17.99

Classic sides include Baked Mac ’n Cheese, BBQ Baked Beans, Fried Green Tomatoes, Coleslaw, and Fries, all prepared with the same attention to flavor and tradition.

Robust Catering Program Serving the Southland

In addition to its dine-in and takeout offerings, Bell Heir’s BBQ operates a robust catering program that serves as a major pillar of the business, providing full-flavored barbecue for corporate events, schools, churches, community organizations, and private celebrations throughout the Southland. All catering items are prepared fresh and designed for sharing, with each tray serving approximately 15–20 people. Catering orders must be placed 72 hours in advance for pickup or delivery.

Catering menu highlights include Smoked BBQ Rib Tips ($125 per tray), 24-hour Brine Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($100), BBQ Brisket Sliders ($135), Smoked BBQ Brisket ($225), Fried Catfish ($160), Jerk Turkey Tips ($275), BBQ Shrimp ($175), and Smoked BBQ Turkey Legs ($200). Sides such as Baked Mac ’n Cheese ($80), Spaghetti with Ground Beef ($80), Kale Citrus Salad ($65), BBQ Baked Beans ($65), Fried Green Tomatoes ($125), and Cornbread complete the menu, making Bell Heir’s BBQ a turnkey option for events of all sizes.

Bell Heir’s BBQ regularly caters corporate lunches and employee appreciation events, school and athletic programs, faith-based gatherings, municipal and nonprofit events, and family celebrations including birthdays, graduations, reunions, and holiday parties. With its move to River Oaks Center, the restaurant is well positioned to serve businesses and institutions across Calumet City, the South Suburbs, and Chicago’s South Side seeking high-quality, crowd-pleasing barbecue.

“For me, it’s always been about honoring where I come from and doing the food the right way,” said Bell. “When the media comes in and really sees that, it means everything.”

This sustained, cross-platform coverage has positioned Bell Heir’s BBQ as a trusted and frequently tapped source for stories about Chicago barbecue, Black-owned culinary businesses, and modern comfort food—cementing its reputation as both a go-to destination for diners and a reliable voice for the media.

Tyris Bell, founder of Bell Heir’s BBQ, brings years of experience in the restaurant and retail industries, along with a deep personal connection to barbecue traditions passed down through his family. His culinary foundation was shaped by his great-grandmother Luella, whose recipes and uncompromising standards continue to inspire the menu today.

Before launching Bell Heir’s BBQ, Bell spent eight years as General Manager of Luella’s Southern Kitchen. Influenced by extensive travel throughout the South, he blends regional barbecue techniques with a distinctly Chicago sensibility.

Location & Hours

Bell Heir’s BBQ – River Oaks Center

96 River Oaks Center

Calumet City, IL 60409

(773) 786-3030

Hours of Operation:

Wednesday–Thursday: 12:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday-Saturday: 12:00 PM-8:00 PM

Sunday: 12:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Monday & Tuesday: Closed

River Oaks Center is an enclosed regional shopping mall located at 96 River Oaks Center Drive in Calumet City, Illinois. Originally opened in 1966 and fully enclosed following a major renovation in the early 1990s, the center today is anchored by Macy’s and JC Penney and features more than 60 retail, dining, and entertainment tenants, serving Chicago’s South Side and surrounding suburbs year-round.

How to Find Bell Heir’s BBQ

Website: https://www.bellheirsbbq.com

Instagram: @bellheirsbbq

Facebook: Tyris.Bell.5

TikTok: @bellheirsbbq

Customers on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/bell-heirs-bbq?lang=en

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