"About three years ago we were serving lunch here. The customers really liked it, and we were pretty busy doing that. For one reason or another we stopped, but I have always had the intention of starting it up again," Hutton says. "The customers have been asking when we're going to start serving lunch again, and I've decided now is a good time."

Hutton's plan is to offer Texas-style barbecue lunches and take-out dinners. He says Texas-style barbecuing has become very popular but takes a lot of work.

"Texas-style means that you smoke the meat for 24 hours or more before putting the meat on the barbecue. The meat absorbs the flavor of the smoke from the different kinds of woods used. Then the barbecue flavor mixes in, and it's just wonderful," Hutton says.

Hutton has been in the catering business for years, traveling as far as Washington to cater an event.

"I like cooking for people. I like to see them enjoy the food I've made and prepared. It's very rewarding," Hutton says.

The new lunch service will offer tri-tip, chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs that Ralph's Smokehouse prepares in its own meatpacking facility.

"We're going to be making all of the side dishes for the lunches and dinners, too. I make a really good potato salad and macaroni salad that customers seem to like. We're also going to have fresh seasonal fruit salads, green salad and garlic bread," says Hutton.

Hutton says that if there are enough requests he may consider adding some of the wild game he prepares to the menu.

"Not many people think about eating wild boar at lunch, so we'll have to see what the customers want," Hutton says.

Meals will range in price from $7 to $18.

"We want to keep the prices as low as possible. Everyone deserves a good lunch without having to pay too much," Hutton says.

The barbecuing will take place at the front of the shop so customers will be able to see their food being prepared.

"The smell of barbecuing travels almost as well as word of mouth," Hutton says. "People will know where those wonderful smells are coming from and that their lunch or dinner is waiting for them."

Ralph's Smokehouse, 885 Delmas Ave., is open 8 a.m.­5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information on catering, meat processing or holiday gift baskets, call 408.279.4009.