Finds in a pile of...Junk?

You know when you check your (real) mail only to find a pile of flyers and postcards trying to get your business? I'm hearing a lot of snickers right about now. Yeah, those little nuisances that seem to pop up every day to businesses we rarely need to frequent are often used to line our pet cages or get dumped right into the recycling pile without a second glance.

 I don't blame you.

 Growing up, we simply called it "junk mail." My mom often threw it right away, and despite my claim to frugalism, I have followed in her footsteps. I don't have kids to send to your preschool, and I certainly can't get an oil change from 3 places at once. Yep, the pile of junk that is often irrelevant to me finds itself sent off for recycling before it even sees the light of day.

Until the other week.

As I was throwing said junk into the proper receptacle, I saw a picture of some good looking BBQ on the front page. For whatever reason, I'd been having a craving for such food as of late, so I seized my disposal to see what was being peddled to me this time.

On the cover of the Pennysaver (nevermind that while growing up, I thought this publication was fictional or extinct as I never saw one come in the mail) was an advertisement for Dickey's BBQ Pit in Crofton (near Vuong's Martial Arts).

As most of you likely do, I drive past this shopping center several times a week. I pay it little mind as I have need for nothing there. Up until seeing this ad, I assumed Dickey's was some sort of themed western-apparel store. Well, I'm glad the Pennysaver caught my eye.

 I went online to see what this place was about (think the Panera of BBQ). They are a fast casual chain offering various BBQ meats and soul food sides. They also are apparently infamous for free ice cream for all paying guests and the "big yellow" cup, which is big, yellow, and reusable. If you sign up for their e-mailing list, your first big yellow cup is complimentary.

All that was left to do was try it out. On the way home from work the next day, I stopped in, coupon-in-hand, to pick up dinner for my hubby and I. You can choose between a sandwich platter or meat platters in different sizes. I got him a pulled pork sandwich and myself a BBQ chicken platter. Each meal comes with two sides, so I got four different ones for us to share: green beans, cole slaw, potato salad, and baked potato casserole (we're Irish, we like our potatoes!) The big yellow cup was big enough that we could share a sweet tea.

With the free drink, dinner for both of us came out to about $14. A hair above McDonald's, but way less than a sit down meal and way more convenient.

 My husband and I enjoyed everything and were definitely full when finished. The meats were moist and the sides all served appropriately. The green beans were definitely the standout for my husband who moaned with approval at the first bite!

Since then, this has become a go-to for those nights I get off too late to make dinner or am just not up to it. We've tried additional meats and sides and will definitely be returning. I'm thrilled to have a "soul food" type establishment here in Crofton, and definitely happy for this frugal-esque find in what appeared to be a pile of junk!

(PS - good until May 31, there is an online coupon available here for a free lil'hoagie with purchase of a side and drink.)