From staff reports

The wait is over.

It’s literally taken years for a restaurant to occupy the building at 6401 S. Louise Ave.

But that changes Aug. 7, as Cody’s Smokehouse plans to open in building that originally was planned as a Quaker Steak & Lube.

Cody’s Smokehouse is an original concept from restaurant veteran Joe Cody, who has franchised Arby’s, Noodles & Company and Old Chicago among other chains nationwide.

He’s a lifelong fan of barbecue who visited locations across the country in creating Cody’s. Darren and Sherry Warth of Smoky D’s BBQ in Des Moines provided the recipes and guidance for the smoking.

“I’ve been in the business for 45 years, and I’ve been waiting to do a barbecue restaurant the whole time,” Cody said. “So this is my dream.”

The fast-casual style restaurant’s menu includes ribs, barbecue platters and a variety of sandwiches, plus daily “comfort food” specials.

Two on-site smokers will be running around-the-clock to ensure that diners are getting fresh meats, general manager Shawn Petersen said.

“And everything is going to be fast. You will have your food in five to 10 minutes.”

Everything is made on site. Side dishes include mac and cheese, smoky baked beans, jalapeño corn, potato salad and many others.

A platter called “the whole pit” feeds four to six people for $69.99 and includes a full rack,  one-third pound of all seven barbecue meats, three pints of sides, a basket of Spud Sticks and six slices of garlic bread

View the complete menu here.

Cody’s Smokehouse also offers catering and party rooms. A video lottery casino will be opening as soon as the license arrives, Cody said.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.