Photo by Kaitlin Steinberg.
Chicken breasts in the smoker at Vernon's.
This Friday, December 1, Vernon's BBQ and Catering (6707 Vernon Avenue, University City; 314-726-1227) is serving free — yes, free — food all day in honor of its fifth anniversary. All you have to do is bring in a canned food item to donate, and in return you'll get your choice of a portion of ribs, a sandwich or a serving of chicken wings.
The canned food donations will go to Operation Food Search, which distributes more than $35 million of food and necessities in 31 counties across the area, according to a press release from the restaurant. Vernon's says it has been a long-time partner and supporter of the nonprofit, which aims to feed 200,000 people in need each month.
The free food giveaway will take place during usual business hours Friday (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.), or until all the food is gone. And this is no token giveaway: You can go back through the line to get free food as many times as you like, so long as you donate a canned food item each time. (The regular menu will be available for purchase as well.)
Throughout its five years in business, Vernon's BBQ has won numerous awards, including RFT readers' pick for "Most Underrated BBQ" in 2015 and top awards at the 2017 KCBS Dallas Kosher BBQ Championship. The restaurant has also appeared on HGTV, and will be featured in an episode of a yet-to-be-announced national television show. On the catering side, the U City spot has served everyone from Justin Timberlake to participants in the 2016 presidential debate at Washington University.
For more on Vernon's BBQ and Catering, visit vernonsbbq.com.
