Since first opening his doors on December 5, 2011, Woody’s Bar-B-Q franchise owner David Jamison is quickly learning that many of his Streetsboro neighbors share his great love of authentic Southern barbecue. As word continues to spread of this unique addition to Ohio’s lineup of dining establishments, Jamison has found that the time he usually enjoys spending in the dining room visiting with his patrons must sometimes be spent back in the kitchen helping his staff keep up with the ever-growing demand.
“We offer something very different to local diners and the response has been extremely positive,” explains Jamison. “We’re the only restaurant in the area that serves true Southern wood-smoked barbecue. The flavor is really wonderful. I’d venture to say that we have the best ribs in all of Streetsboro.”
While the “best ribs” may be a brave claim for the new franchisee, it is backed by three decades of solid history. With more than 30 years of serving up signature baby back ribs, smoked chicken, pulled pork, sliced brisket and countless age-old family recipes under its corporate apron strings, Woody’s Bar-B-Q clearly knows a thing or two about Southern barbecue and creating a successful business model. When the former engineering manager for a large industrial manufacturing company turned barbecue franchise owner took a chance on the Florida-based company, it appears Jamison found a perfect addition to both the Midwest dining landscape and his life.
It’s not all about the food, either. As a resident of Streetsboro for the past 16 years, community is something that is very important to Jamison. He currently serves on the board of the Streetsboro Visitor and Convention Bureau, is a member of the Streetsboro Chamber of Commerce, and is an active participant in the Streetsboro PTA’s Dine-to-Donate Program – in which a portion of the proceeds from an evening’s sales goes back to local schools. Jamison is proud to say that even the Mayor of Streetsboro – Glenn Broska – has enjoyed several meals at the new eatery.
“We really want to serve as an extension of the Streetsboro community,” insists Jamison. “Once people walk through our front door, we hope they are struck with a sense of comfort and familiarity. In addition to our wonderful food, we have a really inviting and friendly staff. Our dining room is very warm, welcoming and relaxed. And once the weather begins to warm up, we will have one of the nicest outdoor patios in the Streetsboro area. With a full bar just inside, I predict it’ll feel like a great neighborhood backyard grill out there all Spring and Summer long – only they won’t have to do any of the work, just sit back and enjoy.”
Jamison also predicts a formal Grand Opening event in the Spring and plans to roll-out a catering menu in time for next year’s round of Super Bowl events. Woody’s “call in and take out” a la carte menu is currently available by calling the restaurant at 330-422-1482 and serves as the perfect solution for family picnics, get-togethers with friends, and business meetings in the Streetsboro, Akron and Cleveland areas. The newest Woody’s Bar-B-Q is located at 9800 State Route 14, next to the Streetsboro Walmart Supercenter. Woody’s Bar-B-Q opened its first Ohio franchise in Beavercreek in 2010.
After opening their first Woody’s Bar-B-Q in 1980, partners Woody Mills and Yolanda Mills-Mawman have spent the past three decades setting the “bar” higher for great Southern Bar-B-Q. From the humble beginnings of just one location in Jacksonville, Florida, a shared passion for Bar-B-Q, and a dog-eared collection of recipes, Mills and Mawman have grown the Woody’s Bar-B-Q brand to more than two dozen locations reaching from the Deep South where Bar-B-Q is king to the Northeast and Western fronts. Perhaps best known for their signature melt-in-your-mouth slow-smoked Bar-B-Q Baby Back Ribs, Woody’s has also built quite a following among patrons with their secret recipe Bar-B-Q sauces and meats, as well as their freshly prepared side dishes. For more information and a list of locations, visit http://www.woodys.com. To learn more about becoming a Woody’s Bar-B-Q franchisee, visit http://www.woodys.com/franchise/.
