In honor of Women’s History Month, SoIN Tourism is spotlighting women who shape our local tourism scene. From running shops and restaurants to managing attractions and experiences, women leaders play a vital role in what makes Southern Indiana a great place to visit.
Let’s meet Janice W Leavell, co-owner of Big Ben's D&M Family BBQ. Janice and her husband Gary now operate the family business, which has been at its current location since 2014.
Tell us about what you did before you started your business.
Before retiring and taking over Big Ben’s, I was a middle school teacher.
What is your business and what role does it fill within the community?
We feature award-winning barbecue, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere where the community can gather and share their services.
How did the idea for your business develop?
My husband’s brother [Deon Norris] owned Big Ben's Hickory Smoked BBQ on 8th Street for several years. After he closed, we decided to open it up again in his name as a family business.
Why did you choose SoIN as the location to start your business?
The Leavell Family has been in this area since the 1940's. The patriarch, Dock Leavell, owned the first Black-Owned Barbershop.
Who was your main cheerleader when you started your business? How did they support you?
Family and friends (who had been customers of the original Big Ben's) encouraged us to reopen, and they sent their family and friends to us.
How can the community support your business and other local businesses?
By always remembering to shop small at local businesses and to continue to visit, which supports us.
What is your favorite local business? (for shopping, dining out, etc.)
Schimpff's Confectionery, Designer Fragrance, Stemler Plumbing Inc, Diversified Insurance Group, and Heuser Hardware.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone thinking about starting their own business?
Make sure you have a good business plan, product, and a good supply network.
More on Big Ben's D&M Family BBQ
@gosoin Indulge in the savory legacy of Big Ben's D & M Restaurant at the Depot, renowned for its award-winning barbeque! 🏆🍖 Immerse yourself in Jeffersonville's African American history as you relish every bite. The adorned walls tell tales of the civil rights movement, the Underground Railroad, and the journey to freedom in Southern Indiana. Stop by, grab some amazing food, and take a moment to absorb the site and the city's history. #GoSoIN #SouthernIndiana #jeffersonvilleindiana #indianahistory #indiana #africananericanculture #bbq ♬ original sound - Go SoIN
The next time you are in SoIN, be sure to save your appetite for a stop at Big Ben's to enjoy their savory smoked BBQ and to experience the history living inside the building itself. Their restaurant is the welcome center for the Indiana African American Heritage Trail. Learn about the Black experience and early Black settlements in SoIN from the posters on the wall or from the proprietors themselves.
Learn more about Black history in Indiana at https://indianahistory.org/research/research-materials/early-black-settlements
Meet more of Southern Indiana's women business leaders:
- Tracy Brown, Poppin' Flavors
- Chanel Nicole, Chanel Nicole Photography
- Lauren VanCleave, Wine Shop
- Jackie Wilson, The Prologue
- Leticia Rivera, The Wildflower
- Deidra Collins, Wall Street Suites
- Summer Sieg, Lady Tron's
We’d love to hear your favorite women-owned businesses! Share their businesses and tag @gosoin on Facebook and Instagram!
