About Lillie’s Q

Our Southern Roots
Serving up Southern BBQ that’s true to regional traditions while still creating unique, reimagined flavors is an art form in itself. Thanks to our founder, Chef Charlie McKenna’s Grandma Lillie, a full family lineage of barbeque passion, and a commitment to craft, we believe we’ve mastered it. And with our restaurants and a variety of sauces, rubs, chips and more – we’re excited to show you why it's unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.
Meet Chef Charlie
Lillie's Q emblem mark
The Story of Lillie’s Q
2000
Charlie McKenna graduates from New York’s Culinary Institute of America.
2007
Chef Charlie McKenna takes first place at Memphis in May.
2008
Lillie’s Q Restaurant opens in Destin, Florida.
2010
Lillie’s Q Restaurant opens in Chicago. Named “Best New BBQ” by Food and Wine Magazine.
2014
Lillie’s Q BBQ Sauces and Rubs launch to retailers.
2015
Lillie’s Q Kettle Chips are added to the line.
2016
Chef Charlie McKenna takes first place again at Memphis in May.
2017
Lillie’s Q products reach Nationwide and International distribution expanding to Australia/New Zealand, Europe and Central America.
2020
Lillie’s Q launches foodservice, direct to consumer, full cooked pork shoulder.
Lillie’s Q Restaurants
Our flagship restaurant is like a barbeque tour of the American South without the 10-day road trip. Located in the heart of Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, our menu offers elevated Southern favorites that are true to regional traditions and crafted to perfection. From our award-winning smoked pork, tri-tip beef and chicken to our selection of classic sides like fried pickles, mac n’ cheese, boiled peanuts, Brunswick stew, and Grandma Lillie’s famous banana pudding – we’ve got something to delight any barbeque lover.

Lillie’s Q continues to expand with restaurant locations in Wrigley Field, at the United Center and in Destin Florida.
Explore Our Restaurants
Lillie’s Q Restaurants