GRANITE CITY, Ill. -- Firefighters in the southern Illinois town of Granite City plan to open a barbeque restaurant in a building saved from destruction.

Firefighters Local 253 has partnered with Main Street BBQ of Imperial, Mo. to open the eatery in Granite City's Nameoki Commons shopping center. Some of the proceeds from Firehouse BBQ will go to the city.

President Jeff Joyce says the union, with nearly 90 active and retired firefighters, has made donations to Granite City for years, including to the city's annual Fourth of July celebration.

Main Street BBQ is providing the menu and barbecue sauce. Joyce says members from local carpenters, electricians and plumbers unions are helping to renovate the building that will house the restaurant.

He said Firehouse BBQ is expected to open by March 7.