Cue HQ Barbeque for Huron

HURON — After being employed in the automobile industry for 35 years, Gene Cappo shifted careers, reversing course and returning to his passion. "I worked in restaurants from ages 14 to 19, in Michigan, where I'm originally from," said Cappo, the former general manager and owner of Victory Honda of Sandusky. "And what I learned from that job, and what I promise to my customers in my new one, is I will have the best food quality," Cappo promised. "Our food will be consistent, as I will be the last person to see everything that goes out of the kitchen because I want to make sure it's right." Cappo recently opened up his newest business, HQ Barbeque, in Huron. Located at 517 Cleveland Road W., in the Port Huron Plaza, people can visit the eatery during traditional lunch and dinner hours Tuesdays through Saturdays. Upon entering, customers can whiff the savory smells of various homemade, carefully cooked meals, which would include brisket, pulled pork, St. Louis-style pork ribs, chicken pot pies, trail beans and Cappo's special sauce. "Nothing comes out of the freezer, and nothing is fried," said Cappo, adding all dishes are ready to serve with no long waits for dine-in or carry-out options. "Everything is either slow smoked or made in the oven," he added. "We only use the best meats that are always top quality. That's only what we buy. It will be some of the best food you will have." Cappo opened the restaurant, about a month ago, in his hometown of Huron. In the months beforehand, he surveyed neighbors and community members about what type of restaurant they desired. "The feedback was overwhelming," he said. "People wanted barbecue." Cappo credited his crew, people he called dedicated employees, striving to provide those in and around Huron with "an amazing experience," he said. "There are some amazing people here, and we all hope to serve you," Cappo said.