Label
Council Members McPherson and Williams
Title
Recognizing Ann's Bar-B-Que established in 1963 as the oldest continuous black owned restaurant in Toledo.
Summary
WHEREAS, when "Big Sam" Stuart started Ann's Bar-B-Que in 1963, he named it after the light of his life, his wife Joanne; and
WHEREAS, Ann's Bar-B-Que is a bustling barbecue carryout on Hawley Street, a block in from the Mott branch of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library on Dorr Street, and kitty-corner from the Fredrick Douglass Community Association; and
WHEREAS, Joanne and "Big Sam" Stuart at one time had four restaurants in operation in the area, and Sam was known to feed his community from his own goodwill every New Year's Eve, frequently partnering with the late Rev. Harvey Savage Sr., and Toledo's Martin Luther King Kitchen for the Poor; and
WHEREAS, since Sam's passing in 2013, Ann carries a laminated version of his obituary with her every day, while this Central City location continues serving the family's oven-finished ribs and chicken with secret-recipe mild and hot sauces, and golden fried wings, catfish, and shrimp; and
WHEREAS, the sauces can be mixed, and all diners found appealing characteristics in the mild and hot separately, as well as the mixed version; and
WHEREAS, the ribs themselves aren't totally fall-off-the-bone style, but they have a very satisfying crackle to the outside and gentle tear to the inside; and
WHEREAS, barbecue dinners come in all sizes at Ann's Bar-B-Que, and if you just need a lil 'Que fix - in what has to be one of the best single sandwich deals in Toledo - pulled pork sandwiches with the sauce of your choice are just $1; and
WHEREAS, the only drawback to Ann's Bar-B-Que would be the chaos that comes with big orders, cash only, and a very busy window, which is honestly more charming than it is problematic, so, it is recommend you get Ann's Bar-B-Que carryout whenever their limited hours fit your ...
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