Since opening in November 2010, Real Urban Barbecue (610 Central Avenue #177 in downtown Highland Park) is now serving up an average of 2,000 lbs. of brisket each week. On Saturday, May 28, celebrate National Brisket Day while also saluting those who serve our country with a patriotic Memorial Day weekend picnic on the patio. Our Molise PR team is proud to have helped conceptualize and promote this community event.

From noon – 3 p.m. on Saturday, active military and veterans are invited for a complimentary cookout at Real Urban Barbecue, featuring grilled favorites and southern comfort sides like smoked baked beans and homestyle mac & cheese.

For the entire day, 10 percent of sales from all brisket served will be donated to the USO of Illinois.

Check out Real Urban BBQ owner Jeff Shapiro demonstrating burnt ends and talking about the event on WGN TV. Also tune into WVON AM 1690 this Saturday at 4:45PM where he’ll share his backyard ‘cue tips with host Paul Lisnek.

Active military and veterans must present valid military id.

For more information visit www.RealUrbanBBQ.com or call 224.770.4BBQ (4227).

About the USO of Illinois

The mission of the USO is to enhance the quality of life of the U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families and to create a cooperative relationship between U.S. military communities and involved or supporting civilian communities.

The USO of Illinois is a civilian 501(c)(3) registered non-profit that is not government funded but is supported solely by the generosity of the American people.

The USO of Illinois touches the lives of over 300,000 Active Duty, Guard and Reserve military and military families throughout Illinois and the Midwest region over 300 programs and services offered year-round that enhance the quality of their lives, lift morale and provide unique recreational, educational and cultural opportunities. The USO of Illinois is powered over 300 volunteers giving almost 20,000 hours of service annually.

The USO is chartered by Congress as a non-profit organization. It is not part of the U.S. government, but is recognized by the Department of Defense, Congress and President of the United States, who serves as Honorary Chairman of the USO.

About Real Urban Barbecue

Highland Park native Jeff Shapiro launched Real Urban Barbecue, located at 610 Central Avenue #177 in downtown Highland Park, after having worked for Lettuce Entertain You for 14 years at restaurants including Bones, RJ Grunts, Bub City, Pappagus and PJ Clarke’s.  He most recently served for six years as director of operations of Carmichael’s Steak House in the West Loop.

Shapiro has been winning trophies in the BBQ competition circuit under the team name Dr. Deckle and Mr. Hide.  For the past several years, well before “urban barbecue” became the trend it is today, Shapiro’s feverish passion has had him touring the major BBQ markets of Midwest, the Carolinas, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee and Oklahoma.

Real Urban Barbecue specializes in carry-out, catering orders and dine-in.  The charming dining room seats a total of 100 guests, which includes private event space for 30 – 40 guests.  The menu features homemade BBQ sauce and slow-smoked items like ribs, pulled pork, turkey, brisket and chicken slowly rotated on two Cookshack FEC300 smokers capable of smoking 600 lbs of meat daily

Follow on Twitter @RealUrbanBBQ and become a fan on Facebook.

Hours are Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.