From the front line to the preparation line, two retired law enforcement officers will soon swap badges for aprons at a new barbecue restaurant in Fulton.
Earl Freeland worked in law enforcement for more than 25 years and in April retired from the Crossett, Arkansas, police department. Alison, his wife, served more than 20 years with the Champaign, Illinois, police department.
After retiring from law enforcement, Alison moved to Arkansas to be with Earl. She found going from being busy 80 hours a week to doing nothing was hard. While she was able to enjoy golfing with her husband and taking time for her hobbies, she wasn't ready to settle down.
Alison wanted to find a way to stay busy and live closer to her family in Decatur, Illinois. Earl, having more than 10 years of experience managing restaurants in Arkansas and Louisiana, searched for a restaurant to purchase and found one in Fulton.
"When we came in November, we saw the inside of the building and knew this was the place for us to be," Alison said. "We spent a week in Fulton and loved the town."
After failing to reach an agreement with Huddle House, Inc. to reopen the location at U.S. 54 and Cardinal Drive as a Huddle House franchise, Earl began searching for another option. They ended up purchasing the building from Huddle House and decided to open up a barbecue restaurant, and they began making plans to open the second MoJo's BBQ location in the United States.
The original MoJo's BBQ and Grill location in Hendersonville, North Carolina, is owned by a friend of Earl's. "I called my friend up and suggested we duplicate what they have there, and that's how MoJo's got here in Fulton."
In the following months, the Freelands were able to partner up with GloveCon Inc., a construction and design company based in Fulton, to remodel the old building and outfit it with a smoker and top-of-the-line industrial kitchen. "We really owe it to GloveCon, they did a fantastic job," Earl said.
While Earl has experience working in the restaurant industry, Alison has limited experience managing a restaurant. Alison has, however, helped Earl in managing his restaurants sporadically for the last year.
"Other than working at McDonald's when I was 16, this is my first experience managing a restaurant," noted Alison. However, she insists her background in law enforcement has taught her how to work hard and be resilient.
"If I want something done, I will get it done."
Earl doesn't think Alison's lack of restaurant experience will affect her negatively. "She will run a tight ship for sure," he said.
"In law enforcement, you are trained how to make split second decision, and that skill is crucial in managing a restaurant."
In order to keep the flavor authentic, the Freelands are traveling to North Carolina to spend two weeks at the original MoJo's so they can bring the Carolina barbecue taste and culture here to Mid-Missouri.
According to Earl, the restaurant will serve a twist on several different barbecue styles that will represent the Carolina tradition of the original MoJo's and mix in the rich traditions of Kansas City- and St. Louis-style barbecue, all flavored with hickory wood smoke.
The Freelands also are hoping to bring the same family feel that exists in the original restaurant.
"MoJo's is family oriented; it's truly a mom and pop restaurant," noted Alison.
MoJo's will serve pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, beef brisket, and several southern inspired side dishes such as hush puppies, mac and cheese and corn.
When asked their favorite MoJo's dish, the answer was unanimous: "The ribs, of course."
The Freelands are excited to be involved with the community. During their time as police officers, they both volunteered extensively to help raise funds for the Special Olympics and hope to be able to help the Fulton community through charitable contributions in the future.
"This is our finale," said Earl. "All our chips are on the table - we are all in - and we just want to make the people of Fulton happy."
Fulton residents can expect MoJo's to open the first week of June.
"Bring your appetite," advises Earl.