When you walk into Lem’s Bar-B-Q on 75th, you’re not just smelling ribs—you’re inhaling history. And now, under the leadership of Carmen Lemons, the daughter of the late James B. Lemons, the legendary South Side smokehouse is being reimagined for a new era—with just as much soul, but a whole new flavor of stewardship.
After 34 years as a Chicago Public School teacher, Carmen became the first woman in the Lemons lineage to run Lem’s Bar-B-Q. She describes always being around to help her dad. “Growing up, I didn’t really know what it meant to go over to a friend’s house for holidays,” Carmen laughs. “On holidays, My dad would always ask if I was coming to help him at Lem’s.”
Since taking over she’s built a leadership circle rooted in love and loyalty, running the business side-by-side with her soul sister in business & life Lynn, and getting daily support from her two nephews who help carry the weight work and the family name. Together, they’ve honored the foundation—but they’re also innovating for all the new customers, old customers and all the tourists that will find their way to 75th Street for a JBL!
Over the years, Carmen has upgraded the quality of meat, streamlined how the meats are seasoned and prepared, and even bottled the signature sauces and seasonings so customers can take a piece of Lem’s home. “My dad laid the groundwork. I’m just adding structure to his greatness,” she says.
And just like she reinvests in the business and the community, Carmen’s serious about reinvesting in herself too. She’s loud and proud about her self-care regimen—regular massages, facials, chiropractic adjustments, and holistic supplements keep her grounded and game-ready. “I can’t pour into anyone else if I don’t first pour into myself,” she says. “I want to honor the temple God gave me.”
It’s a necessary evolution in how we lead and live. As Monique Roberson, also known as Coach Mo, explains: “Our ancestors pushed through exhaustion because they had no choice—rest wasn’t part of the survival plan. Carmen is shifting that legacy. She’s showing that Black leadership can be rooted in care, clarity, and wholeness—not just hustle.”
This year, that alignment paid off in a major way. Carmen Lemons and Lem’s Bar-B-Q took home a James Beard Award, cementing their place not just in Chicago’s heart, but in the national culinary scene. For Carmen, it wasn’t just a trophy—it was spiritual confirmation. “I felt my parents with me through this whole process,” she shares. “They’ve shown up in signs, through significant numbers. I know they’re proud.”
And she’s not keeping the blessing to herself. Carmen gives back constantly—with food, support, and love to her customers—but she’s planning something extra special on August 13th to celebrate her father’s legacy. Stop by Lem’s that day for a special gift with purchase and help honor the man who started it all.
In every rib tip, every sauce bottle, and every decision to prioritize her peace, Carmen Lemons is proving that legacy doesn’t have to look like exhaustion. It can look like collaboration, restoration, and big love on 75th Street.
Watch the full video below.
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