Willy Harris of North Carolina began his quest for the perfect barbeque recipe in the 1930s, traveling the world as a military cook and Bob Hopes’ personal chef during the USO tours. After forty years he retired and opened a small barbeque place in Tacoma, Washington, where Bob and his friends frequented many times. Willy would always say, “I JUST WANT TO MAKE GOOD FOOD FOR GOOD FOLKS”.
In 1986 Willy passed on, leaving behind a void in culinary delight. Out of desperation, Ofsthun decided to venture into the trade. Without a recipe, a smoker, or a clue, the lingering taste was enough to start construction of a small take-out place in early 1988. Then one fateful day the phone rang and the caller on the other end started talking about the best barbeque who had once cooked for Bob Hope. And yes, the caller was talking about Willy Harris, and added, “I have his recipes and smoker.” In disbelief, Ofsthun questioned the price and the caller simply replied, “All I want is a place to go eat the stuff.”
In 1986 Willy passed on, leaving behind a void in culinary delight. Out of desperation, Ofsthun decided to venture into the trade. Without a recipe, a smoker, or a clue, the lingering taste was enough to start construction of a small take-out place in early 1988. Then one fateful day the phone rang and the caller on the other end started talking about the best barbeque who had once cooked for Bob Hope. And yes, the caller was talking about Willy Harris, and added, “I have his recipes and smoker.” In disbelief, Ofsthun questioned the price and the caller simply replied, “All I want is a place to go eat the stuff.”
Rib Ticklers opened with great success on the waterfront in Gig Harbor, Washington. Packaging and marketing the sauces led to many awards in various places across the country, and eventually to Saticoy, California. It was in Saticoy where Ofsthun met Marco Gonzalez at his small Mexican restaurant at the time. Chef Marco and Dennis partnership and friendship was made and off they went. Many awards later, including the prestigious 1996 champion of the “Best in the West Rib Cook-Off” in Reno, Nevada ,Marco Gonzalez relocated to Agoura Hills, California.
It was recently decided that an ode to Willy was due, therefore the name Willy’s Smokehouse Bar & Grill. And here it is settled for the new venture at the old Agoura Valley Inn where it is rumored that Bob Hope had stopped in from time to time. There will be no more traveling, no more contests, and no more awards, just “I JUST WANT TO MAKE GOOD FOOD FOR GOOD FOLKS”.
It was recently decided that an ode to Willy was due, therefore the name Willy’s Smokehouse Bar & Grill. And here it is settled for the new venture at the old Agoura Valley Inn where it is rumored that Bob Hope had stopped in from time to time. There will be no more traveling, no more contests, and no more awards, just “I JUST WANT TO MAKE GOOD FOOD FOR GOOD FOLKS”.
