NFL Player Plans Visit To Franklin High School And New Restaurant

FRANKLIN, WI — Billy Sims, co-founder of Billy Sims Barbecue and former NFL player, plans on visiting Franklin's new franchise location for its grand opening Sept. 10-11, according to a news release from the business.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the BBQ spot, with appearances from Franklin Mayor Steve Olson and Billy Sims, is planned for Sept. 10. Immediately after the ribbon cutting ceremony, Sims will be available for autographs. The new barbecue franchise is located at 7358 Rawson Avenue in Franklin.

Sims also plans to visit a local high school football game. He plans to address the crowd and help with the coin toss at Sept. 10's Franklin High School vs Racine Park football game, a news release from the franchise said.

“We look forward to welcoming the community to the restaurant all weekend long to try our amazing barbecue and say hello,” Billy Sims said in the news release. “It will be a celebration of good food and good football in a fun, family-oriented atmosphere – a place to kick back and enjoy yourself.".

During his college career, Sims played for the University of Oklahoma where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1978. Sims played for the Detroit Lions in the NFL 1980-84. Over his NFL career he was Rookie of the Year and the top draft pick in 1980, the news release said. He retired from football in 1985.

The new BBQ joint plans to offer brisket, St. Louis style ribs, pulled pork, chicken, turkey and other barbecued meats. A variety of sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, corn on the cob are offered on the menu as well. It's a fast-casual-style barbecue restaurant with locations in seven states already, the news release said.

“Using pecan logs for smoking and unique dry rubs, Billy Sims BBQ offers many flavorful meats and sides.” said Clay Covert, the Franklin, and West Bend franchisee. “Our Franklin location has a drive-through where each menu item is freshly-made for every customer. We want guests to know that there may be a short wait because the meals are made to order, but it will be worth it.”

Throughout Sim's visits to the restaurant, there are giveaways, prizes and free food, the news release said. The restaurant plans to be open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily after opening.

Here are the details of Billy Sims' visit to Franklin to celebrate the franchise grand opening:

Sept. 10

Billy Sims BBQ will have its ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. Sims will be available after the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a chat and autographs 5-7 p.m.

Sims will make an appearance at the start of the Franklin High School football game against Racine. He plans to help with the coin toss, address the crowd, and at halftime, he is scheduled to help with a "kick for cash."

With the kick for cash, cheerleaders will throw footballs into the audience. One lucky person will catch a football signed by Sims. That person will then have the chance to make a field goal. If they score the field goal, they win some cash, according to the news release.

The Billy Sims BBQ foundation plans on donated $500 to Franklin High School at the end of the game, the release said.

Sept. 11

Sims will be at the restaurant for autographs and to chat with locals from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5 p.m.-7 p.m., the news release said.