My Wife (Biggi), Myself & our good friend Valerie, went to the soft opening of Good Buddies BBQ, here in Lakeland, FL. Good Buddies Restaurant & BBQ cook team are owned and operated by Joel Vann. Joel has been in the BBQ business, and on the circuit for many years, and has been very successful on all levels.
Joel & Good Buddies took GC at the Tampa Sam's Club qualifier.
Joel, cooking with Jaret Hatcher for team Whiskey Bent BBQ, earning GC in Venice, FL 2011. The other guys in the photo are, "Unknown". 
Joel’s new restaurant & bar named “Coconuts Live Entertainment”, which features Good Buddies BBQ, is located in the lobby of the Howard Johnson at the corner of I-4 and Hwy 98, in North Lakeland, FL.
This is a full staffed restaurant, which offers a full bar and live entertainment, which is sure to be a big draw with not only hotel guest, but with locals as well.
The BBQ pork sliders were terrific!!!
- After cooking BBQ all day, I was happy to see a few no-BBQ items on the menu as well, I recommend the Blue Cheese Fries.
At first glance at the menu, there are many BBQ items available that Joel has perfected on the BBQ competition circuit.He even offers his competition style chicken thighs, I WILL be going back to try out that one!!!
Good Buddies’ offers a HUGE variety of beers, I did not get to sample any, due to the fact that it was my turn to be the designated driver for the evening. 
It has been a long time since I have seen such a list of beer choices, I was very impressed.
The other big highlight of the evening was the great entertainment. It is obvious that Joel is willing to help support local entertainers, and give them a venue where they can bring their talents to the public.
The entertainment for the evening featured, our good friend, and all around great guy, Dorsey Odell, putting out some great originals. Dorsey is truly an unique entertainer, and always a crowd favorite. Everyone had a great time while Dorsey was on stage, and he really knows how to interact with the audience, and keep them interested. I have seen Dorsey preform a few times out at competition sites, but this was my first organized concert, he is a true professional. I have viedos for Dorsey’s performance that I will be posting in a later blog.
Dorsey Odell, and his guitar, doing his thing on stage.
Other acts for the evening included a very funny Elvis impersonator, and local talents.
Please come out and visit Joel and his friendly staff today, I know that we will be going back!!!
