Kenny and Sonia Allen, partners in marriage and business, say that God called them to plant the roots of their new restaurant in Winchester.

The Allens have been making barbecue for years, traveling to various events and festivals across central Kentucky.

But after meeting with their business partner and pastor, Johnathon Stidham, the two decided they would find a more permanent location.

The two work well as a team, Sonia said, with Kenny putting his years of experience to work smoking the meats on the menu and Sonia handling the sides, including fresh vegetables and fries cut in the restaurant.

“I started cooking when I was 15 years old and I’ve been doing it ever since,” Kenny said. “I’ve worked for several different people and businesses learning, and now I’m on my own.”

Kenny said he is especially proud of In and Out’s ribs.

“The ribs are good, that’s our specialty,” he said. “The ribs are what make people come back for something else.”

In and Out has been open at the corner of North Main Street and Broadway for three months now, and the Allens say business has been good for them.

“This community has been very good to us,” Kenny said.

The Allens say their faith has been a strong factor in their decision to open the restaurant, and they consider god to be “like the CEO.”

Kenny said he considers In and Out a “marketplace ministry” where he can show members of the community love by preparing good food for them.

The Allens said they would like to see In and Out become a gathering place in the community where people can come for parties or just to hang out. They also said they would like to be part of a business revival in the community.

In and Out BBQ is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.