During events, customers can sit at a zinc-topped bar where Marguerite plans to eventually sell his own beer brewed on the premises. On the opposite side of the store is the event space, which includes a DCS grill surrounded by a 14-seat bar where people can watch a cooking demonstration.

A variety of different size Big Green Eggs are on display, as well as grills by Weber, Kalamazoo and various other brands. Marguerite can now display even more models from each brand of grills he carries. One side of the showroom features many of the grills and accessories that have made Backyard Barbecue a grilling destination. Everything is fully functional so customers can see how things work, such as the heaters and flat screen T.V. At the center of the showroom is a patio display, which features a DCS grill, Big Green Egg and a beverage area, all set into stonework with ample countertops. I am really happy with the way it turned out,” Marguerite said.Ĭustomers enter through an outside brick patio, outfitted with two Big Green Eggs, a gas grill and a pizza oven set into a stone chimney. Elements from the outside were brought inside to tie it all together, such as the metal corrugated siding that also adorns the women’s bathroom. The building’s original glass garage door remains and skylights trimmed with rustic barn wood were installed in the ceiling to shed ample light on the space. The building’s original concrete floors were sandblasted and coated, and the dark wood beam ceiling is fully exposed. Many of the building’s original elements were exposed and restored to create a large open space where Marguerite can display grills and accessories, and to conduct classes and hold events. “I still walk in here and love the way it looks,” remarked Marguerite, who seems stunned by the building’s transformation. Having been built with a team of locals - architect Chuck Cook, landscape designer Jim O’Brien and contractor Michael Coletto - the Backyard Barbecue’s new location is spectacular. “We started just with a shell,” Marguerite said. Backyard Barbecue owner and Wilmette native Dan Marguerite had a vision for the building that included rehabbing it from the outside in. The building, behind Millen Hardware and Tsing Tao restaurant, was most recently a car wash, but it was built in the 1950s as an alignment shop. WILMETTE – An unassuming former garage at 535 Green Bay Road has been transformed into the Backyard Barbecue Store’s new location, with a top-to-bottom rehab resulting in a charming yet rustic new space.

Owner Dan Marguerite at Backyard BBQ in Wilmette.

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