Business profile: Goldies BBQ keeps the faith, keeps preparing delicious food

Owner says he and his family try to glorify God and God provides during these tough times

Charles Bibens cannot say enough about his customers.

He is grateful for his staff, too.

He also appreciates the media’s push, asking folks to buy local, to support local businesses.

Through all the uncertainties associated with the coronavirus pandemic, Goldies Texas Style BBQ is having a strong quarter.

The customers who keep calling in orders, who endure a long wait on the busy Friday and Saturday nights, might disagree on one part of Bibens’ explanation: Goldies BBQ is special.

Located at 15640 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., customers come from all over to get a taste of the food described as “where Texas meets Louisiana.’’ Not just all over Clark County. All over the Northwest, and beyond. 

Still, there was some uncertainty. 

The pandemic hit right after a typical down cycle for Goldies. 

“People don’t equate barbecue and winter,” Bibens said. “It’s slow that time of the year anyway.”

When government orders initially went into place, there was a lot of confusion. Bibens said he does not worry about such things, but he figured the restaurant had a good run. 

“I had made my mind up. If they shut us down, Goldies was over,” Bibens said. “I was just going to walk away. But then they said we could do the takeout. Business has really picked up good.”

That, he said, comes from his loyal customers and the “buy local” campaign. 

On some Fridays and Saturdays, the wait time is 45 minutes to an hour. Recently, Goldies had to take the phone “off the hook,” Bibens said,  just to get caught up with demand. As soon as the phone service returned, it was ringing with more take-out orders.

And, yes, for the most part, it is take-out only. Goldies will deliver on some days, provided they have enough staff available. But customers should just plan on driving to the restaurant to pick up their orders.

“They come in. They leave big tips for the guys. Seems like the tips have got better, too,” Bibens said. “There are a lot of good people in this community who love God and the military, stuff we care about.”

The outside windows have paintings of American flags as well as signs proclaiming Jesus is the reason for all of this.

As customers walk in to pick up their food, there is a wall to the left covered with pictures to honor military and law enforcement.

“We really appreciate what those guys do, protecting the community and the country,” Bibens said. “I set up a Hero Wall there.”

On the other side of the restaurant, which is difficult to see for take-out order only but will be there when the restaurant reopens for dining, there is a wall of pictures for local athletes and celebrities. Bibens has had children and grandchildren attend various high schools throughout Clark County. Sports memorabilia from several teams hang on the walls, too.

Bibens said his favorite on the menu: spare ribs and mac and cheese.

All credit, he said, should go to his wife Goldie. Charles and Goldie have been together for 45 years. He was born in Texas, she was born in Louisiana. Hence, the restaurant’s motto.

“She’s the cook. It’s all her recipes,” Charles said. “She’s the brains behind it.”

Goldies has had years to build up its fan base. Goldies has been at the current location for 11 years. Bibens and family were previously at a gas station plus had a food cart.

Charles said he has loyal customers from Gresham and Beaverton in Oregon, as well as Seattle. One lady flew to PDX to see her newborn grandchild and first drove to Goldies before going to see the baby. 

If you are in the mood for barbecue, though, make sure it is not on a Sunday. Goldies used to be open on Sundays. It was lucrative, Charles said. However, he and the family decided that the focus should be on church and family, not business, that day.

“God is going to bless us,” Charles said. “He’s going to provide.”