Main Street Strong
Main Street Strong is DoorDash’s commitment to local restaurants and the passionate business owners behind them. They inspire everything we do, so we’re going to do everything we can to keep them strong
How is DoorDash helping?Krazy Hog BBQ is a beloved South Side Chicago restaurant that was forced to close their doors during the pandemic. But owners Vic and Dana Cooksey never accepted this as their fate. With an entrepreneurial spirit that runs generations deep and an unwavering faith, they fought to reopen. Now, with the help of DoorDash and a community that wouldn’t quit them, they have officially reopened for delivery.
Entrepreneurship is in Vic’s DNA. His grandfather owned a supermarket, a restaurant and a meat locker, so as a kid, Vic watched and learned. As far as he was concerned, he was always going to be a business owner – he just needed to figure out what that business was going to be. And in his wife Dana’s family recipes, he saw the perfect opportunity.
Now, as a Black business owner, Vic feels a responsibility to be there for the next generation, and to provide the sort of example his grandfather provided for him.
Krazy Hog grew right out of Dana’s Family Tree. Her family moved to Chicago from Mississippi in the 50’s, and they brought all their recipes with them. For her, “home” always tasted like smoked ribs and sweet BBQ sauce. Today, she faithfully recreates those recipes for Krazy Hog’s loyal customers, and goes out of her way to make them like family. She’ll remember your name and ask how your sister’s doing.
Just like her mother and grandmother before her, Dana’s home has always been the place where people seem to congregate. Krazy Hog, as she sees it, is her house, too.
Reverend Meeks is Dana’s father and the soul of Krazy Hog. This might have something to do with the fact that he’s the reverend of his own church. This could also have something to do with the fact that he’s the restaurant’s lone pitmaster – every rib tip and chicken wing that Krazy Hog serves is cooked to perfection by Reverend Meeks, himself.
A military veteran, he perfected his technique by grilling around the world for his fellow troops. But now, his focus is much more local. He shows his love for the South Side by firing up his grill every day like it’s a Sunday.
Olivia inherited her parents’ optimism. Even when the restaurant is having a bad day, she can see the silver lining. She’s a cheerleader in the kitchen, and always brings the positive energy Krazy Hog is known for.
Danyelle may be the youngest, but according to her parents, she’s the boss. Danyelle holds her own, whether at home or at the restaurant. When customers meet Danyelle, they have no doubt about who’s keeping everybody in line.
Chris is the brains behind Krazy Hogs’ operation. When his parents were trying to figure out how to create a social media presence for the restaurant, he stepped right in and showed them the way. Social Media marketers, you know where to find him.
As the oldest in the family, Trey is Vic’s protege. Just as Vic studied his grandfather, Trey watches his dad’s every move. And just like Vic, he has his own plans of being an entrepreneur. Keep an eye out for Trey’s barbershop in the not-too-distant future.
It may be sweet, but this BBQ sauce is Krazy Hog’s secret weapon. Like so much of the great food on the South Side, this recipe traveled to Chicago from the south some time during the last century. This sauce, specifically, came all the way from Batesville, MS, where Dana’s grandmother used to make it for special occasions. For Dana, it was always worth the trip to Mississippi. And for locals on the South Side, it’s always worth the trip to Krazy Hog.
These rib tips are Reverend Meeks’ secret recipe – so secret, in fact, that no one else knows it. Apparently, the only special ingredient is the touch of the Reverend’s (heavily bejeweled) hand. He honed his craft over the years by cooking for his congregation every Sunday, with lines circling the church parking lot. So when Dana and Vic started Krazy Hog, they knew exactly who the pitmaster had to be.
Bob was Vic’s grandfather and mentor as an entrepreneur. He taught Vic the value of hard work and the importance of his word. He also taught him his famous lemonade recipe. As a tribute to Bob, this is the only lemonade Krazy Hog will ever serve.
Rib tips may be a Chicago thing, but chicken tips are exclusive to Krazy Hog and Krazy Hog, only. This dish was born right in Vic and Dana’s kitchen, when a member of their team had the idea to to take the cleaver to some slow-smoked chicken thighs. It worked so well, they put it on the menu and kept it there.
The Mac n Cheese probably breaks every modern culinary “rule” but it’s how the Cooksey’s have been making it for decades. Traditional and true to their southern roots. Of course Dana added her own special mix to it, but it doesn’t change what people are familiar with - it’s comforting, warm, inviting, and everything anyone remembers about their childhood. As Dana puts it, “it’s love on a spoon.”
Helping Krazy Hog reopen is just the beginning. There are so many beloved restaurants across the country that have been forced to close and need our help getting back on their feet. DoorDash is committed to making this happen. Tell us which restaurant you want to see make a comeback.
Main Street Strong is DoorDash’s commitment to local restaurants and the passionate business owners behind them. They inspire everything we do, so we’re going to do everything we can to keep them strong
How is DoorDash helping?Just like Krazy Hog, thousands of businesses are working to keep their doors open, and support from their local community is essential to keep their dreams alive.
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