'Retro food' and affordable lunch specials at the core of this new Peoria restaurant

Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star

July 3, 2024 at 6:17 PM·4 min read

A sign sits outside of Big Juan's Texas Smokehouse & Baha Beach Club in Peoria. The business opened in June.

Fred Jackson remembers when Chantilly Lace, Pepé Taco, Long John Silver’s, Steak 'n Shake and other businesses operated on North University Street.

He described the stretch as “a thriving area 30 years ago.” Over time, however, various businesses closed their doors. Some storefronts have housed various restaurants over the years, while others – such as the former Steak 'n Shake – sit empty along North University Street.

“I sit here and look at this block and think, ‘Wow, it really is history,’” Jackson said.

Yet, it is a history which Jackson hopes to see revived, as some of the once vacant buildings welcome new businesses.

In June, Jackson opened Big Juan's Texas Smokehouse & Baha Beach Club – situated at 7723 N. University St. The restaurant's menu features a $6 lunch, as well as various menu items that recreate old Peoria staples. In the future, Big Juan's also plans to introduce a lunch buffet.

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‘Six dollar lunch’ and other deals

Customers will be able to find special happy hour deals at Big Juan's. The restaurant is situated at 7723 N. University St. in Peoria.

Jackson said he wanted to provide affordable lunches for those working in the area. He said there were times when he found himself paying around $20 for lunch when he dined in Peoria. Along with this, Jackson said he heard that nearby workers were traveling in search of affordable food.

After looking into costs, Jackson said he realized he could offer the affordable option people were looking for – while still making the profit needed to stay in business.

“We found deals on everything, and we're able to do (a) six-dollar lunch with a can of soda even,” he said.

The $6 lunch menu is available from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served with homemade chips and a drink, and entrees include:

Two Gringo tacos
Pulled pork sandwich
2 standard "Thunderdogs" or 1 premium Thunderdog
Signature brats – which features beer bratwursts

After work, customers will find happy hour specials from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Jackson expects to offer deals such as tacos with margaritas and pizza with beers.

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‘Food that makes you feel good’

Chalk art remembers Pepé Taco, which once operated in Peoria.

On the menu, customers may also notice a handful of familiar foods.

Jackson said Big Juan's will serve well-known staples, such as the cheese fries from Richard's. The Thunderdogs ? included among the lunch specials ? are his take on the Wonderdogs once found at Velvet Freeze.

"It is what I remember from growing up," Jackson said, “and it’s closer to the original recipe that was made a little different way.”

Another item on the menu, Jackson said, was inspired by a Big John's Bar-B-Q staple. The restaurant's menu notes that the rib sandwich – which is listed for $10 and includes one side – "will remind you of a legendary recipe in the river city."

Jackson said Big Juan's is not a Mexican restaurant. Rather, he described it as a "scratch kitchen" kind of establishment and said he did not want to be bound to any specific style of food.

“It's just food that makes you feel good. It's comfort food,” Jackson said. “It's some old recipes that people will probably remember from past businesses. We thrive on anyone that has information on a favorite retro food that they think we should bring back.”

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‘Pay for your appetite’

In the future, Jackson plans to gradually introduce a lunch buffet, as well.

He said customers will find a “pay for your appetite” type pricing with three cost options.

The least expensive option – which Jackson expects to offer for $8 – will give customers access to soups, salads and breads. For a couple dollars more, pizza, pasta and other general buffet items can be included in the meal. The most expensive option will give customers access to the entire hot buffet.

“I always thought it was unfair because you got most of the ladies didn't want a big hot buffet at lunch," Jackson said, "and they got to pay the same price?”

For the hot buffet, Jackson plans to offer a daily theme. These include:

Meatloaf Monday ? which Jackson said will consist of comfort foods
Taco Tuesday ? which will include a variety of Mexican dishes
Wing Wednesday
Thanksgiving Thursday
Seafood Friday

Eventually, Jackson said he would also like to partner with a local business owner or chef to offer brunch during the weekend.

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When is Big Juan’s open?

The dining room at Big Juan's is filled with tables, chairs and booth seating.

Big Juan's will be open from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. Thursday and Friday and 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.