‘Y’all are missing out.’ Fans say don’t pass by popular barbecue spot in Warner Robins
Robert Parker is living his dream at Q Time Barbeque Food Company in Warner Robins.
His popular barbecue spot has a loyal fan base built by word of mouth and social media.
Geared for takeout, Q Time Barbeque can be found near the corner of South Houston Lake and Feagin Mill roads.
Parker typically starts his days early, slapping 20 slabs of ribs, three bags of chicken leg quarters, 15 sausages, two Boston butts, two to three bags of rib tips and more on a large outdoor grill he affectionately calls Big Bertha.
All of his Southern sides and desserts are also made fresh daily. He often sells out.
Hidden gem
The spot is anchored by a 12 foot by 24 foot red building that houses a kitchen. The grill is outside inside a screened area. There’s also a shed for supplies.
Four red picnic tables with yellow umbrellas create a space for outdoor dining, or to wait for an order. A string of white lights and a yellow chain combine to define the space and add a bit of ambiance.
Craig Jones of Warner Robins said he comes by twice a week when his wife is out of town for the “good quality food, good quality service, good prices.”
“Rob’s real friendly,” Jones said. “This is something different, out of the ordinary, and I’ve connected with him and want to support his business.”
On a recent visit, Jones was joined by his friend Darrell Mount, who said he first heard about Q Time Barbeque from Jones. The two had just come from working out at the gym and stopped to pick up dinner to go.
“He sends me pictures,” said Mount, who asked Jones, “Why didn’t you get me a plate?”
Parker grills up meats that you’d grill at home but seasoned with his own rubs and sauces.
“I just keep it simple,” he said.
What’s for dinner?
The Q Time Barbeque menu includes a rib tip sandwich, rib sandwich, chopped pork sandwich, two-piece chicken sandwich, turkey legs, a salmon sandwich, sausage sandwich, a half or whole slab of ribs, chopped pork by the pound and more.
Meals come with a choice of two sides — such as turnip greens, potato salad, smoked mac, and baked beans — and bread. A veggie meal is also an option, and there’s a kid menu.
Among the most popular offerings is the $6 plate with a choice of sausage, two-piece chicken or a smoked burger and two sides.
Customers often share photos of their plates on Facebook, raving about the taste, generous portions and noting that the price can’t be beat.
“If y’all are driving by Qtime BBQ on S. Houston Lake Rd and not stopping then yall are missing out!” Debra Cooley posted in the Robins To-Go Facebook group March 15.
“Hubs had the chopped pork sandwich and beans. He said it was some of the best BBQ he’s had around here. I had the sausage dog and greens. That is a real smoke house sausage with tons of flavor and those greens are some of the best I’ve ever had. I can’t wait to go back.”
The Facebook posts have been consistent over time.
Renee Dickman posted in the Facebook group back in September 2023, “If you’re in the Warner Robins area definitely stop by Q Time Barbeque Food Company to grab some cheap delicious lunch! We went for the first time and will definitely be going more often!”
Parker also offers a sampler that feeds four to six people that includes four meats, two large sides and bread.
He’s just added Fried Fish Fridays.
His Q Time products include an all purpose rub, mustard seasonings, a mild BBQ sauce and a hot BBQ sauce. He even has Q Time shirts for sale.
“A taste of the South’s best to go,” is his catch phrase.
He can be booked for catering.
‘Go for it’
Parker started at his current location at 1205 South Houston Lake Road with a food truck in December 2020 that he operated on weekends. He left his job as a truck and trailer mechanic to pursue his dream full-time in May 2023.
His journey into entrepreneurship has taken many twists and turns, and the Michigan native can trace pivotal points along the way — including the first time he ever grilled to help a friend for three catering events before moving to Georgia in 1996.
His first grill cost $50 and was made by a coworker from an aluminum drum that once held antifreeze. The first time he set up to grill was at a gas station near an upscale Locust Grove neighborhood.
He’s also shared a mobile food trailer in College Park, sold his barbecue through a Mount Zion restaurant’s kitchen and owned and operated his own Q Time Barbeque storefront in Albany.
He believes that God has led him along the way, and he encourages everyone to chase their dreams.
“Go for it, no matter what it is,” said Parker, who expressed gratitude for his customers. “Even if you think you can’t reach it, try.”
Q Time Barbeque is open from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The number is 478-334-1150.
This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 6:00 AM.