'Jethro Bodine' Calls Jethro's BBQ Owner

The regional chain of Jethro's barbecue restaurants, which includes Jethro’s BBQ ’n Jambalaya in West Des Moines is known for many things.

Lip-smacking barbecue, amazing wings and sauces are a favorite.

Then there's the Adam Emmenecker Challenge – a food coma concoction of five pounds of sandwich and fries featuring a huge pork tenderloin, Angus steak burger, slabs of Texas brisket, applewood bacon and fried cheese, finished with buffalo chicken tenders. The sandwich is topped with melted cheddar cheese, and white cheddar sauce, topped with a spicy pickle.

Molly Schuyler, of Bellevue, NE, beat the challenge at each of the four Jethro's restaurants in the Des Moines metro. When she managed the feat at the Waukee location in January, she was the only woman to successfully complete the challenge, reports KCCI.com.

But, the name of the restaurants hadn't received much press – until this week.

The Des Moines Register reports Jethro’s owner Bruce Gerleman received a phone call a few days ago from actor Max Baer Jr., who played Jethro Bodine on “The Beverly Hillbillies,” the inspiration for the Des Moines-based chain.

Gerleman said Baer, 75, had heard of his restaurants and the pai talked about looking for ways to work together.

Baer purchased land near Carson City, Nev., in 2007 to build a Jethro’s Beverly Hillbillies Mansion and Casino, but because of lawsuits and other problems, the casino has never been built, the Register says.

We'll see what comes of the chat.

Each Jethro’s location in the Des Moines metro has barbecue and a special theme. The barbecue and Jambalaya is unique to Waukee’s Jethro’s – which is technically in West Des Moines but billed as the business' Waukee location.