CJ’s BBQ & Fish opened in 1997, with Charles’ brother, Luther Evans, and longtime employee Ken “Sugar Bear” Rawls assisting in the launch. Evans said it was his dream to have a Richmond store. CJ’s success in part can be attributed to the restaurant’s distinctive seasonings and sauces. Evans’ mother, 102-year-old Flora, supplied him with some of the secret ingredients. “Some of it is family recipe and some is my recipe,” he said. At the end of every busy day, Evans still makes time to sit and eat with his mother.

2401 Macdonald Ave, Richmond, CA 94804  (510) 235-7471