Bastians Bar-B-Q and Catering, Inc. at 1002 Apperson Drive reopened on Monday, April 23 after an extended hiatus, and owner Chris Bastian couldn’t be more pleased with the warm “welcome back” he’s received from the Salem community, he said.

He closed the business in December 2010, citing the rough economy taking a toll on his catering sales.  Before that, Chris and Karen Bastian ran the business for 16 years. Last year, he did some catering, but he couldn’t re-open then because of health problems, he said.

They’re back now, though! And he welcomes pig-painting, too! The dine-in/take-out is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and they have a new phone number: 563-9048.

Bastian said he is pondering over adding a 5 to 7 p.m. pick-up option within the next 6 months but is still in the process of seeking feedback from customers on the service. To give Bastian feedback or to ask questions, he says folks can email him at Bastiansbarbq@yahoo.com

-Miranda Beck