BIDDEFORD — When Houston native Will Myska was growing up, he spent a lot of time at his grandmother’s house.

His grandmother, Ore Nell, inspired his passion for cooking, so it was only natural that when he opened a barbecue joint, he’d name it after her.

Myska also has family ties to Massachusetts, and went to McIntosh college in New Hampshire to study culinary arts. His original plan was to go back to Texas after graduation, but he fell in love with New England.

“And here I am, 15 years later with three kids,” he said.

He opened Ore Nell’s Barbecue in 2018 in Kittery, and on Aug. 9 opened a second location at 42 Franklin St., Biddeford.

“What we pride ourselves on is our brisket. Brisket is king to me, but what sells the most has always been ribs. People in New England like their ribs,” said Myska.

Ore Nell’s serves up traditional Texas barbecue, smoking meat using oak wood from Lady K Ranch in Lebanon. Meats (and tofu for vegetarians) are prepared with a dry rub, and condiments are served on the side.

“It’s nothing over-complicated, we just stay true to our style,” said Myska.

Meats are wrapped in peach paper – a breathable butcher paper that protects the rub so that it doesn’t get too “barky,” yet lets the smokey flavor to penetrate.

Meat is cooked long and slow.

“We don’t try to rush it. It lets us know when it’s ready,” said Myska.

In addition to the traditional line-up of smoked meats, Myska likes to mix things up with specials like brisket corn chowder or smoked lobster rolls. Vegens also have options for plant-based sides with their smoked tofu, including a vegan macaroni and cheese made with nutritional years and coconut milk.

Ore Nell’s Barbecue in Biddeford is currently open 4 – 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and Myska plans to expand hours in the future.

Myska said he’s been blessed to have a great support system, great mentors in the industry and a great crew. As for the original Ore Nell, she’ll be 96  this year and proudly wears merchandise from her namesake restaurant in her assisted living community.

OLD ORCHARD BEACH

There are a few new restaurants in Old Orchard Beach.

 Pizzeria Italiano is now open at 34 Saco Ave., serving up pizzas, subs, Italian specialties like lasagna, lobster ravioli and fettuccini alfredo; as well as cannolis, eclairs and other pastries.

Lazy Days restaurant is serving breakfast and lunch at 4 First St. The restaurant is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Liz Gotthelf is the publisher of Saco Bay News. She also loves to eat, and she loves to support local businesses. If you have any local restaurant or food news, she’d like to hear from you. Send her an email at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.