Ricky Ray’s Barbeque brings “down home cooking” to Plano

by Tessa Howington of North Dallas Gazette

Ricky Ray's BBQ may have opened in April of 2007, but they have been serving up "Barbecue and Down Home Cooking" for quite a while.

Ricky House and Ray Cotton catered for 4 years before they decided to open a store front business. Their catering business started small, as backyard or garage barbecues, and due to demand, the two of them decided to open a restaurant in Plano.

Mr. House says they opened because "he bugged me," jokingly referring to Mr. Cotton. In his defense, Cotton, an Inola, OK native, said that the reason is because he "can't find no good barbecue in Texas."

Regardless, they opened their doors on April 6, 2007, serving up barbecue with all the trimmings. Cotton says that what makes their barbecue unique is "that it's a variety, a little bit of everything." House simply says, "It is barbecue. Not watered down."

They also pride themselves on the variety of methods they use to cook the food. Not only have their recipes come from years of family tradition, but are also steeped with regional influences from Kansas, Oklahoma, Memphis, Pittsburg, and even East Texas. "We cook it their way," House says. House, growing up in the "deep East Texas" town of Omaha, even gets sweet potatoes from the small East Texas town of Golden, to ensure authenticity and taste.

Besides their famous barbecue, they also serve a variety of homemade desserts and sides. Cotton's favorite is the "bread pudding . . . or the banana pudding." House isn't sure what his favorite is, but knows, referring to the puddings, that they "sell a lot of it."

They both agree that their "gourmet baked beans" are the best in town, they are known to brag about their sweet potato fries and ribs, and are proud to be the only restaurant in Plano serving GG's Sweet Tea from McKinney.

While they have the restaurant, they still do catering as well. Although the restaurant's menu focuses on barbecue, but they can cook anything and have no problem tailoring a meal to a client's requested menu. This is where the "Down Home Cooking" plays a part in the business. House says that they are happy to cook anything, and laughs as he adds "possum, raccoon, armadillo. . ."

Ricky Ray's is a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Plano and also works with the Eternal Life C.O.G.I.C., where House is the pastor. Besides being the pastor, church plays a large role in both their lives; Cotton refers to church as "a mainstay" in their lives and their business. As a matter of fact, the two future partners met 11 years ago at Moore's Chapel C.O.G.I.C in Allen, TX.

And while the demand was a large factor in opening a restaurant, they both admit that their main inspiration was the desire to provide a service that people really enjoy and that they are always "governed by the Spirit of God."

Looking at the growth from the original backyard catering business, clearly customers truly enjoy their food. Ricky Ray's has catered the Plano Senior High School's Twilight Dinner for the past few years, the 4th of July Parade for Allen and McKinney, and also handles various events for McKinney ISD. In addition, they cater private events such as weddings, receptions, and other church related activities. Currently the duo are excited about an upcoming event with the Legacy Christian Academy in Frisco.

As smart businessmen, they are also seeking additional opportunities, including expansion to other locations in the future. And, since the restaurant and catering business is a side business for both Mr. House and Mr. Cotton, they would like to be working in the restaurant exclusively in a few years.

As House says, they just "haven't gotten there yet."

Cotton & House want potential visitors to be aware that they "offer something that is not common in the area." Cotton says that they have a "good product and the people that come in always come back." Or, as House simply says, "we're here" and that the "meat is cooked to perfection . . . you'll see."

So go see. Ricky Ray's Barbecue and Down Home Cooking is located at 3100 Independence Parkway, Suite #299, in Plano, TX. They can also be found on the web at www.rickyraysbarbque.com. They are open Tuesday - Thursday from 10:30 am to 9 pm, Friday's and Saturday's till 10 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm. Friday night is Rib Night, starting at 4 pm is all you can eat ribs for $11.99, Tuesday Night kids eat free, and 11 am to 2 pm Tuesday - Friday they have a lunch special of a large sandwich, side and drink for $6.48 including tax.

If you have a party, want to make reservations, or need more information, you can also call them at (972) 867-2000.

Editor's Note: Last Friday I was in the area and stopped by [without introducing myself] during the lunch hour to get a to-go order. The staff was prompt, friendly and the food was good. My chopped beef sandwich overflowed with well seasoned brisket. It was my first time to try GG's sweet tea, and it was a good balance. However, perhaps my favorite item was the onion rings ~ think Sonic onion rings, but larger! This was my second visit, and I look forward to returning, and trying one of their generous slices of sweet potato pie.

• Staff
• Verified User
• Anonymous