The Real Story of Jones' Bbq and Foot Massage: Origin, Star, and Legacy

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In the mid-2000s, local television stations in major cities still ran late-night public-access broadcasts dominated by auto dealers, slip-and-fall attorneys, and local soul-food shacks. These commercials shared a recognizable aesthetic: blown-out audio levels, garish graphic overlays, and aggressive sales pitches delivered directly into the lens. Chicago filmmakers Pedro Flores and Toby Jones (the real-life filmmaker whose name was borrowed for the character) saw comedic gold in that medium.

Teaming up with local stand-up comic Robert L. Hines, they drafted a parody advertisement centered on an absurd premise. What if a neighborhood entrepreneur combined two entirely incompatible storefront services under one roof to save on commercial lease rates? The result was "Jones' Good Ass BBQ and Foot Massage."

Hines threw himself into the character of Toby Jones. Donning a tan suit, a wide necktie, and holding a plate of smoked pork ribs, he pitched the joint with deadpan commitment. The sketch gave viewers an infectious phone number, "Call (773) 840-4240", and delivered lines that instantly embedded themselves into the vernacular of internet comedy: "Jones' BBQ and Foot Massage, where you can get your ribs rubbed and your feet rubbed, all at the same damn time!"