By Ben Lawson
ben@seymourherald.com
Back in October of 2001, a little restaurant named Mr. Bob-E-Que opened its doors in Seymour, offering barbeque based off award winning recipes and a long tradition.  
This month, the long-time Seymour eatery is celebrating 10 years by thanking the community.
The name “Mr. Bob-E-Que” originated with F.R. Armstrong, who competed in the “Memphis in May” barbeque contest back in 1986.  He was given the title after winning a role as spokesperson for the competition and soon after opened a restaurant in Cleveland, Mississippi offering his special sauce and dry rub.  
When Armstrong retired, he sold the business and his recipes to close friend and co-worker Barbara Poss.
Eventually, Poss would pack up with her family and move to Sevierville, where Mr. Bob-E-Que was reopened.  Only a year later, they were in Seymour to stay.  Now semi-retired, Poss has handed ownership over to her daughter and son-in-law, Leigh and Scott Cobb.  The business is still going strong after 10 years, which the family accredits to the community sticking with them.
“We wanted to thank everyone in the community for the loyal support,” Leigh Cobb said.
To show their gratitude, Mr. Bob-E-Que will be offering limited time specials every day during October, on top of the normal specials they run. This is great news for their loyal, repeat customers.
Although the deals are new, Cobb offers the same cooking that has brought in business for 10 years, including hickory smoked dry rub.  The faces are familiar, too.  Poss is still around to mind the cooking.
“Anyone can put heat to the meat,” she said.  “But only a few can barbeque.”
Cobb’s sister, Tiffany Holder, has also long been a fixture.  A recent illness forced her to step back, however, after nearly taking her life.  
Those same customers loyal to the restaurant were also loyal to the family, pitching in with donations to help cover her medical costs.
“We also wanted to tell everyone thank you for the donations,” Cobb said.
Mr. Bob-E-Que, located at 10324 Chapman Highway, will celebrate their 10 Year Anniversary on October 22.
The restaurant also offers catering. For more information go to www.mrbobeque.com or check them out on Facebook.

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