Founder of Long Wong's Opens Elvis-Themed Barbecue Joint

When you've been crankin' out wings for over 35 years, sometimes you just want to do something different. See also: - Sam Fox's New Seafood Spot, Little Cleo's, Opens at The Yard in North Central Phoenix - New Breakfast Spot, Snooze AM Eatery, Coming to Central Phoenix That's what Ron...

By Laura Hahnefeld

June 3, 2013

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When you've been crankin' out wings for over 35 years, sometimes you just want to do something different.

That's what Ron Goldstein, founder of Long Wong's and brother of Two Hippies founder Andy Goldstein, tells me about Luv Me Tender, his week-old Elvis-themed 'cue joint in front of Long Wong's at 2812 East Thomas Road in Phoenix.

Goldstein says his new barbecue restaurant will be churning out pulled pork, beef brisket, spare ribs, and chicken made with a signature dry rub and smoked over a combination of mesquite and pine wood. Diners can choose from sandwiches, combos, and dinners as well as sides such as scalloped potatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy, and baked beans.

Also on hand are five kinds of housemade barbecue sauces.

Like Long Wong's, Goldstein's keeping the price points at Luv Me Tender on the wallet-friendly side. Chicken dinners can be had for $5.99, ribs for $6.99, and a two-sandwich combo with fries will go for five bucks.

Goldstein's affinity for the King of Rock 'n' Roll (he saw Elvis in concert in the '70s) is evident in the building's pink and black motif (the King's favorite colors) as well as an interior done up with Elvis posters and Elvis movies playing on a TV.

Luv Me Tender's hours, for now, are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and will extend, Goldstein says, as the restaurant gets up and running.

Luv Me Tender B.B.Q. 2810 East Thomas Road 602-840-3737

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