That Place Serving a Side of Goodwill with their BBQ

Wednesday, April 10, a new restaurant opened in Olney, and “That Place” is serving up barbecue to all who wish to partake.

Barbeque is not all you get when you visit this cozy little barbecue joint nestled in what is fast becoming Olney’s restaurant row. The owners Erica and Patrick Bruce serve up a lot of positive energy by sharing God’s Word and positive comments.

Although they may have had a rocky start in life, they have turned things around , and they have become a positive influence and respected business owners.

Erica has been in the restaurant business from the time she was young. Erica’s mom owned a restaurant so she would always help her out in the restaurant. Erica’s grandmother had a cottage bakery. Which is similar to a regular restaurant or bakery except baking or cooking the food is done from and sold from home. Erica is known for her pies and baked goods, which she learned

from her grandmother. Although she does use her grandmothers’ recipes, Erica says she has changed them a bit over time. A lot of her creativity goes into everything she bakes.

According to Patrick opening, a restaurant was a mutual idea. Patrick always encouraged Erica to open a restaurant because of a great many positive comments over time about how great her baking is. Patrick does have experience in the restaurant business as an employee. This is his first venture as an owner. Patrick says Erica has the majority of the experience. Erica and Patrick say they play off one another’s strengths and work closely with each other coming up with ideas for the restaurant.

Patrick chose BQQ because he enjoys cooking it. The main reason is that he listened to the community about what they would like to see as Olney’s next restaurant, which was loud and clear. A barbecue restaurant. The Bruce’s have kept a very close ear to the community in regards to improvements over likes and dislikes of the restaurant. Though Facebook and comment cards they continue to tweak the recipes and menus to improve their business.

Although they have known each other since about 1990, they have only recently reconnected over the last few years. They first met when they attended high school together. Over the years they were separated by time and distance. Through serendipity or Gods will their paths crossed again a few years back. They grew close again and formed a budding romance which turned into marriage a little over a year ago.

Erica and Patrick stated that they “absolutely love Olney, Olney is a great little community, everyone here is just so kind and generous” They always try to support the other businesses in Olney. They wish to thank the House of Mercy for being here because without them the Bruce’s would not have been able to make it here in Olney. When Erica was in New Boston, she had heard of the House of Mercy and needed a fresh start for her and her two children. The House of Mercy helped them both spiritually and with a home. Erica and Patrick thank God as well for guiding them to the House of Mercy and Olney. A special thank you was given to Roy Hayes and Donnett Wiley for purchasing the land, building, and equipment and for all their support getting the restaurant going.

Altee Nuncio is the manager. She is happy to hear any compliments or complaints about That Place. Many around the community have stated what a great job she has been doing as a manager.

That Place is located at 1010 W. Main St. Olney, Texas, 76374. Their phone number is 940-564-3203.