If you ever met “The Man,” then you know Gene Porter. The owner of Dixie’s BBQ in Bellevue, Porter was famous for his hot sauce – REALLY hot sauce – that he would offer customers on a toothpick to try. Those who survived received a bumpersticker that said “I met ‘The Man’ at Dixie’s BBQ.”

Mr. Porter died Sunday of cancer. He was 71.

Porter and his wife, Dixie, opened Dixie’s BBQ in 1994 in a converted auto-repair shop on Northup Way that still says “Porter’s Automotive.” Porter opened that business in 1970.

Seating is on picnic tables. Food is mostly served on paper plates with plastic utensils.

Nevertheless, the food – and Porter’s personality – attracted crowds from everyday people to the rich and famous. You could find most of the players from the Sonics, Mariners or the Seahawks there. Bill Gates was said to be a customer. Everyone was treated equally. Everyone waited their turn in line.

When he was a auto mechanic, Porter would cook barbecue for church fundraisers on weekends. They became so popular that he was persuaded to open a restaurant.

Mr. Porter is survived by his wife; children, Alton and L.J.; and five grandchildren.

Services will be held at Overlake Christian Church, 9900 Willows Road N.E. in Redmond on Monday, March 8, with a viewing from 9-11 a.m., and a service at 11 a.m. Mr. Porter will be buried at Tahoma National Cemetery.

The restaurant is closed this week, but will continue to operate.