There are things that just go together: hot dogs and buns, fruits and cobblers, and perhaps most of all - summertime and barbecue.
Still, according to JC's Family BBQ owner James Johnson, "We sell what we sell year-round. It doesn't really change much depending on the season."
However, one shift the Ooltewah eatery does see this time of year is an uptick in catering orders.
Its menu may specialize year-round in hickory-smoked meats, sandwiches and Southern sides, but its catering spreads are completely customizable, from finger foods to Italian trays to surf and turf specials.
For instance, last year for the Fourth of July, JC's prepared hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad and slaw for a corporate event for over 600 people. On a much smaller scale, it once sizzled up steaks on-site for a party of 80.
"We have a couple big weddings coming up," said James.
In the past, popular matrimonial meals have included smoked whole hogs, which James said make "a pretty awesome presentation."
JC's Famly BBQ
ADDRESS: 9070 Highway 58 HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. PHONE: 423-485-3481
Most catering orders, he added, require a minimum of a week's notice, but that can vary depending on the size of the spread. Full-service options are available, including on-site cooking. Of course, JC's entire menu is also available for bulk ordering.
From its fried chicken and grilled shrimp to its bologna burgers and Philly subs, there is little the family-owned restaurant can't do. And, like its French dip and au jus sauce, there are things that just go together - like JC's and a hearty appetite.