Seaside’s barbecue guy has a new location, and an unchanged commitment to help the homeless.

Kelvin Johnson cooks for a reason. For more than a decade he has barbecued on his days off, using the proceeds to help feed some of Monterey County’s homeless. In November he retired from Midas, where he worked as a mechanic. Three months ago he moved his barbecue operation from the parking lot of Acme Coffee Roasting Co. to the Retired Men’s Social Club on Del Monte Boulevard in Seaside, near the Sand Dollar Shopping Center, and set up Ribbs for Jesus (his spelling) on a more permanent basis – middays on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, serving ribs, hot links, wings and (on Wednesdays) tri-tip, with home-style sides. Although this time he hopes to make some money, he still cooks to help the homeless.

Weekly: Describe your barbecue style.

Johnson: Southern style – Texas, Louisiana. The hot links are really hot. My sides are yams, potato salad and the best baked beans in town.

But they wouldn’t do tri-tip in Texas.

Well, it’s because I’m in California. Everyone in California loves it.

How long does it take to get good at barbecue?

You know how I got good? By eating bad food. It took me 15 years. I had my aunt’s recipes, but I had to learn on my own.

Does the smell of smoke ever get old?

No – it’s like the smell of paint to a painter. I don’t like it getting in my eyes, but I love the smell of smoke.

What does Ribbs for Jesus mean to you?

I’m still feeding the homeless. I’m not here to make a million dollars. I hired a homeless person – he was one of the guys I used to feed in the park. Eventually I want to hire more.