LANSING — Around noon on Wednesday, a line was beginning to form inside King of the Grill.

"It's like we never left," said Freddie Mendoza, owner of the small, family-run barbecue joint.

King of the Grill first opened it doors in 2011, but closed back in January to fix a "structural issue," explained Mendoza's catering partner Mario Hernandez.

It was back open for business on Tuesday.

"This is only our second day," Hernandez said. "The support we've received so far has been overwhelming."

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They will continue to serve up barbecue classics, including ribs, pulled pork and brisket, but loyal customers will notice that a few things are slightly different this time around and can expect more of a Tex-Mex style.

"I'm excited it's back open. I didn't know if and when it would reopen," said Ken Kline, a customer who'd stopped by on Wednesday evening. "I like barbecue, and the food's good."

"Lucky for me, I live right down the road."

Mendoza was born and raised in Lansing but moved to Texas and lived there for 10 years to learn from some of the best when it came to Texas-style barbecue.

"I wanted to go back to the same dishes we loved growing up," he said. "I'm using a lot of my grandmother's recipes, so everything's made with love."

As for a comeback?

"I'm thankful that the community has welcomed us back with open arms," Mendoza said. "It's a fantastic feeling."

Contact Princess Gabbara at pgabbara@lsj.com or (517) 377-1006. Follow her on Twitter at @PrincessGabbara.

How to go

King of the Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 4400 N. Grand River Ave. in Lansing. Closed Sundays.