Restaurateurs: Meet Tommy Gallo

Tap Room specials--in this case brother Nick's aromatic and crisply "barked" ribs--once again were the basis for expansion when Gallo's Pit BBQ opened in May. Another beer-friendly Gallo's restaurant (about 80 are available), the sporty and patio-equipped GBQ quickly became a favorite neighborhood hangout.

So what's next for the veritable macho chef with a heart of gold who calls his staff "my kids" and says his "crowning achievement" is not laying anyone off during the downturned economy? Though Gallo only hinted at his next project ("When we're ready, you'll see the best of the three restaurants come together"), I know one thing you can count on: it's guaranteed to do a rooster proud.

Photos by Tessa Berg