Before becoming a local celebrity, Dave Chambers, a lifelong Rexburg resident and highway construction superintendent, was just another citizen who participated in the I<3Rexburg Facebook group.
When the 50-year-old JB’s Restaurant was emptied and undergoing renovation, curiosity and speculation stirred on the local Facebook page as citizens of Rexburg tried to figure out what would replace the prominent restaurant.
Once it was announced that a new Barbecue joint would replace JB’s Restaurant, Chris Sparks, the owner and operator of the newly announced Sparks BBQ, and his business partner, read through the Facebook comments.
Sparks and his partner came across one that said, “I’m betting they will be gone by spring.”
Chambers wrote the comment. Having lived in Rexburg for 60 years, Chambers has seen many stores and restaurants come and go.
“I didn’t think they’d make it till spring, just based on the history of restaurants in Rexburg, how hard it is,” Chambers said. “And then taking out an old building out there, JB’s changing it from what it was, usually the older generation is not much up for change.”
After seeing Chamber’s comment, Sparks said he had some inspiration for the banner he’d put up out front of his new restaurant.
“We kind of chuckled at it … I’m like, ‘It would be kind of fun just to kind of poke back.’ That’s the brand,” Sparks said. “We’re not just going to take stuff, so we just made that sign that says, ‘Hey Dave, stop by in April. We’ll buy you lunch!’ And it was just something fun for the town to see.”
Once April hit, Chambers took Sparks up on the offer.
“It was awesome, it was so good,” Chambers said. "It was basically a dinner date. It was a great time.”
After giving his approval to Sparks BBQ, Chambers had entered the local celebrity limelight. Local businesses across Rexburg have asked Chambers to try their food and services as well in hopes of getting Chambers’ seal of approval, too.
Chambers continues to dine at Sparks BBQ since his spring visit.
“We had ribs the other day and they were really good,” Chambers’s said. “And the chocolate pie is wonderful.”
Sparks said he enjoys seeing Chambers come in, and he is still happy to give him a free meal anytime he does.
“So, it was just a fun time to have him come in and know that we’re not being angry about any of this,” Sparks said. “This is just two groups having some fun together, having a good time … I think it’s just fun to see Dave out in the community too and see what all came from just a little playful back and forth.”