Grill Master

Barbecue Enthusiast Brings Restaurant Dreams to Reality

Writer / Matt Keating

Photography Provided

Rob Taylor, owner of Rob’s Grill in Culver, says he has dreamed of owning a barbecue restaurant since he was a small child.

Through the years Taylor has been able to make his childhood dream a reality by working hard. He perfected his barbecue and has launched his own business.

Taylor was able to accomplish his long-term goals by seeking out the freshest meats available, and making sure his customers are satisfied with everything they order. He goes out of his way to make sure people love their food.

“We opened on July 4,” Taylor says. “Before we opened in Culver, we had a shop in Plymouth, Indiana, and we also did pop-ups.”

The pop-ups provided a way to build buzz about the business, and get people talking about the fresh-tasting barbecue.

Taylor, who is also a welder by trade, felt that the way to get customers talking about his business was to specialize in one area, and offer other delicious menu items to get people talking.

“We specialize in smoked meats,” Taylor says.

He says Rob’s Grill serves the freshest meats possible. They smoke meat quantities based on demand.

Customers have responded favorably since the business opened. Taylor has already attracted a large following of loyal Rob’s Grill customers who have made repeat visits to get a taste of his barbecue. Many of them have brought their families and friends.

Taylor gets a lot of compliments on his food. He says it keeps him humble. He thanks God, his wife Jennifer, and also his father, family, staff, and local community. They keep him inspired to continue making the Rob’s Grill menu favorites.

“Our other popular items include racks of ribs, chicken, pulled pork, rib tips and brisket, along with other specialty items,” Taylor says. “We also have a nice selection of side dishes.”

The side dishes include barbecue baked beans, cheesy potatoes, potato salad, green beans, pineapple slaw, and fries. Pulled pork nachos, pulled pork fries, brisket nachos, and brisket fries are also available.

Taylor has noticed some menus items are particularly popular among his many loyal customers. They keep coming back for their favorites.

“Brisket seems to be our top seller, with the ribs and pulled pork not far behind,” Taylor says.

Taylor has his own favorite food choices from the menu.

“My personal favorite would be the nachos and the chicken,” he says.

Taylor likes to keep his barbecue menu as readily available to his loyal customers as possible. The business offers takeout, delivery, dine-in and catering.

Taylor and his staff also take orders for Rob’s Grill T-shirts, hats and hoodies.

Taylor notes that what is particularly special about barbecue is that it brings family and friends together.

“What I love best about barbecue is that it takes me back to my younger days,” Taylor says. “I’m back with my parents and grandparents. It just takes me back in time a little bit. It gives me great satisfaction to see people enjoy my food.”

Taylor loves making his customers happy. The motto at Rob’s Grill is, “We smoke nothing but the best.”

“Barbecue is something that I have a passion for,” Taylor says. “I didn’t really think that opening one place would happen, but thanks to my wife Jennifer, who gave me the push I needed, the dream is now a reality.”

Taylor started learning his special techniques for barbecue when he was a small child.

“I’ve been doing this since the age of 6,” he says. “I’m still doing it almost the same way as I was taught. My father said I would have to find my own style and technique. When I could do that, then I will understand and enjoy my barbecue.”

Visit Rob’s Grill at 18561 State Road 10 in Culver. You can also call the restaurant at 260-203-8632, email them at mrrltaylor79@gmail.com, and visit Facebook for more info.