VERO BEACH — If you’re driving on US 1 in Vero Beach, you’ll notice some significant changes to the popular food establishment that for nearly 21 years was known as Bono’s Pit Barb-B-Q.
There’s the freshly painted, light gray and black trimmed exterior, a beautifully landscaped yard, and a newly raised sign with a new name: Wilke’s 14 Bones Barbecue.
Inside, however, it’s still the same eatery our community has always loved, owned by the same restaurateur, Scot Wilke, and manned by the same dependable and courteous staff. The menu has a new look, with comically and artistically designed bulls, pigs and donkeys, but it’s still the same delicious food that visitors to Bono’s have long enjoyed.
Wilke opened the franchised restaurant in March 1993 and, with hard work and his knack for building lasting friendships with his customers, has consistently maintained a high quality of food and service in Vero Beach and earned the respect of his Bono’s franchisor and other franchisees.
In fact, over the past few months, when Wilke decided to become an independent owner/operator and put his name on the restaurant, the Bono’s people both understood and endorsed the move.
“This is who we have been all these years, and we are trying to stay true to ourselves now that we finally have our own identity and a very loyal customer base.
On any given day, you can come in and be surprised by who you’ll see eating here: businessmen, professionals, politicians, tradesmen, and of course, great local families all enjoying the best barbecue in town.
We also offer some terrific bluegrass and rock cover bands on Thursday and Saturday evenings, as well as our catering business, which will continue,” added Wilke.
Wilke plans to make some interior enhancements to his establishment in the coming months, but diners immediately can enjoy some tasty, new barbecue sauces and purchase promotional products, such as T-shirts and posters.
Wilke’s 14 Bones Barbecue is located at 1500 US 1 in Vero Beach. Business hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
For more information, please contact the restaurant at (772) 770-5646 or visit the website at www.14bones.com.
