[September 27, 2013]      

Thursday evening Chris Graue and the family Chevrolet dealership celebrated a couple of milestones. First, the dealership has just completed a long and massive remodeling of the facility. The facade of the building has been redone and is now designed to go along with the corporate branding program. Like many other businesses, the Chevrolet program includes recognizing the brand by the style of the building.

Graue said Thursday evening that he is delighted that the work has finally come to completion. He noted that at first he wasn't too sure about the concept, but as the work has progressed, he has come to like it more and more.

He also pointed out some more luxurious amenities that have been added, such as a showroom bay where a vehicle being purchased can be pulled inside the building, out of the weather, for the prospective buyer, and an automated door that opens and closes when vehicles pull up and pull inside the shop area.

Pictures by Nila Smith

Chris Graue, his mother, Joan, and Graue employees pose for a quick picture.

 

Graue employee Katie Lisk was encouraging folks to name the pig.

The hand-carved pig was a gift to Chris from his wife for his 50th birthday. The Graues have decided it is time to name the pig, and they allowed their guests to offer suggestions.

 

The name Mike Mills is well known in barbecue circles, as he is widely recognized as the guru of barbecue. He is also recognized by Graue as his personal friend and mentor in Chris' quest for the perfect smoked meat. Mills made the trip from Murphysboro in southern Illinois to prepare the smoked pork for both evenings of the Graue celebration.

Above, Mayor Keith Snyder visits with Mike Mills. Below is Mills' portable smoker. Mills owns the 17th Street Grill in Murphysboro, Marion and O'Fallon and is a partner in the famous Blue Smoke Restaurant in New York.