Fundraiser Aims to Get “Mama Jane” Smoking Again

A GoFundMe campaign is raising money to help Big Luv’s BBQ & Breakfast repair its pit room and smoker following a fire at the West Main Street restaurant.

The fire began at about 2:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, after a propane tank exploded in the pit room. Olney firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and no injuries were reported. The pit room and the restaurant’s smoker, known as “Mama Jane,” sustained significant damage, including damage to electrical components. Barry and Ann Hodges, owners of Big Luv’s, expect to pay out of pocket for repairs and replacement equipment.

The restaurant’s barbecue operation will remain temporarily closed while the family determines which equipment can be repaired and what must be replaced. The Facebook post did not specify whether Big Luv’s breakfast service would be affected.

The Hodgeses’ daughter created the online fundraiser to help ease the financial burden and allow her parents to resume serving barbecue as soon as possible.

“My parents have poured so much time, hard work and love into this business and the community they serve,” she wrote. “Now, it’s our turn to take care of them in a time when they need us the most.”

Community members can support the effort by donating through the GoFundMe campaign or sharing the fundraiser with others.

“Let’s get Mama Jane smoking again,” the family said.