Golden Rule Bar-B-Q
Golden Rule Bar-B-Q is a barbecue restaurant in Alabama, US. It has been in continuous operation since 1891. It is the oldest BBQ Joint in the United States.
| Golden Rule BBQ & Grill | |
|---|---|
 Golden Rule BBQ in Crestline Village | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1891 |
| Owner(s) | Brian Kemp |
| Previous owner(s) | Mike Matsos |
| Head chef | Mike Booker |
| Pastry chef | Aleesha Hoge |
| Food type | Barbecue |
| Dress code | Casual |
| Street address | 2504 Crestwood Blvd |
| City | Irondale |
| County | Jefferson |
| State | Alabama |
| Postal/ZIP Code | 35210 |
| Country | United States |
History
The first Golden Rule BBQ restaurant was founded in Irondale, Alabama by the Williams family in 1891. Located on a major dirt road, the restaurant originally catered to travelers.[1] The original wood building had dirt floors, but it was later moved to a new location with a wood floored dining room.[2] The restaurant served barbecue pork and other refreshments.[3] The construction of U.S. Route 78 placed the restaurant on a major route between Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia. Because it served beer, it was popular with travellers who had to pass through dry counties on their way to Atlanta.[4]
Ellene Williams married Jabo Stone in the 1930s, and they ran the restaurant together.[5] The location was moved again in the 1960s when the highway was widened, and the new building had neon signs and a metal awning.[2] The Williams-Stones had no children to inherit the business and eventually decided to sell the restaurant.[5] In 1969,[6] the restaurant was sold to Michael Matsos, a Greek American from Massachusetts who operated La Paree, a successful steakhouse in Birmingham.[4] Jabo Stone had frequently visited Matsos' steakhouse,[7] and Matsos in turn had enjoyed Stone's restaurant. LIke with his other restaurants, Matsos hired Greek chefs and managers to help him run the restaurant.[4]
Matsos expanded the restaurant's menu to include Coca-Cola, French fries and a green salad.[2] He later moved the restaurant to a new location near the Interstate 20 in the 1970s.[4]
As of 2007, the restaurant was being run by Michael's son Charles.[8] The restaurant was purchased by Brian Kemp in 2023.[9] It is the oldest BBQ Joint in the US. It is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Alabama.[6]
References
- Moss, Robert F. (August 20, 2010). Barbecue: The History of an American Institution. University of Alabama Press. p. 171. ISBN 978-0-8173-1718-8.
- Browne, Rick (October 15, 2013). A Century of Restaurants: Stories and Recipes from 100 of America's Most Historic and Successful Restaurants. Andrews McMeel Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4494-0783-4.
- Auchmutey, Jim (June 1, 2019). Smokelore: A Short History of Barbecue in America. University of Georgia Press. p. 75. ISBN 978-0-8203-3841-5.
- Johnson, Mark A. (August 7, 2017). "Chapter 4". An Irresistible History of Alabama Barbecue: From Wood Pit to White Sauce. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4396-6212-0.
- "Golden Rule Bar-B-Q | Southern Foodways Alliance - Southern Foodways Alliance". October 3, 2006. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
- Thornton, William (March 30, 2023). "Alabama's oldest restaurant now under new ownership". al. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
- Brown, Emily (August 3, 2015). Birmingham Food: A Magic City Menu. Arcadia Publishing. p. 51. ISBN 978-1-62585-346-2.
- Staten, Vince; Johnson, Greg (July 1, 2007). Real Barbecue: The Classic Barbecue Guide to the Best Joints Across the USA --- with Recipes, Porklore, and More!. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 116–118. ISBN 978-0-7627-5195-2.
- McGough, Crystal (March 28, 2023). "Brian Kemp purchases Golden Rule". The Trussville Tribune. Retrieved July 19, 2023.