Customers line up out the door during the Nov. 26 soft opening of Hard Times BBQ in Marysville, where brisket, tri-tip and ribs kept the crowd moving throughout the afternoon.

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - By noon on Wednesday, Nov. 26, a line of people had begun to wrap around the building of the former Alibi Bar. This was the long-awaited soft opening of Hard Times BBQ, and neighbors and fans were eager to get their first taste and glimpse.

“I really don’t remember the last time I’ve been inside,” said one man patiently holding his place in line. “I live across the street and usually eat at Teriyaki House. This will give me another option — there isn’t any other BBQ place in the area.”

For years, the storefront at the corner of 5th and J streets sat vacant but renewed interest spiked over the summer as the building underwent a long-overdue facelift. The restaurant's soft launch on “Thanksgiving eve” had the smell of smoked meat drifting through the air, fueling the appetite and anticipation of hungry customers. Hard Times BBQ is a family-owned catering business that gained local attention this past October during the annual Taste of Yuba-Sutter event, where it won both “Best Savory” and “Favorite Local Food” awards.

Owner Tim slices into a freshly smoked brisket during the Nov. 26 soft opening of Hard Times BBQ in Marysville, drawing steady crowds eager to sample the award-winning family barbecue.

The soft opening’s menu was limited to brisket, tri-tip and ribs with optional sides of coleslaw, macaroni and cheese and beans. Owners say however that they plan to expand offerings in the future to include additional sides, chicken, pulled pork, tacos and “BBQ macaroni bowls” with a choice of meat.

Through the afternoon, the line remained steady as employees barely had time for a break. Inside, the interior — though not fully finished — featured a custom wood serving counter and a dining area featuring a mix of seating options. Local photographer Ryan Leland of Pnut Productions, a friend of the owner, assisted with some of the carpentry and said he looks forward to installing more wood racks in the future.

“This is the biggest BBQ you’ll probably ever see,” Leland said, referring to the large red firewood smoker prominently featured near the kitchen entrance.

The towering red firewood smoker is prominently featured near the kitchen entrance inside Hard Times BBQ in Marysville.

Hard Times BBQ’s story traces back to a long family tradition and a passion for real wood-fired barbecue. According to the company’s website, its motto is “Ribs make any day better,” and the business offers flexible catering solutions — from full-service buffets with setup and cleanup to hot food delivery — for events both large and small.

The restaurant is located at 427 J St., Marysville. As of its opening, Hard Times BBQ is operating from noon to 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; it remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information or to place an order, call 530-718-2697 or visit hardtimesbbq.com.

 The dining area at Hard Times BBQ features a mix of booths and wood tables, part of the newly refreshed interior inside the former Alibi Bar location in Marysville.