Decatur’s Big Bob Gibson to be inducted into Barbecue Hall of Fame

What might be THE most recognizable name for Alabama foodies is about to be inducted into a national hall of fame.

The American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame announced its 2024 inductees and Bob Gibson was selected as a legacy inductee this year. More commonly called “Big Bob Gibson,” the Alabama native started serving barbecue in Decatur in 1925 and his legacy has lived on through multiple generations.

Keep reading to find out more about the BBQ Hall of Fame, why Gibson was selected + how you can enjoy some of the legendary food.

Barbecue Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024

The Barbecue Hall of Fame exists to recognize, document and preserve the heritage of barbecue, while educating people on its evolving history and traditions. It’s owned by the American Royal Association that inherited seven Legacy Inductees before its first official class was inducted in 2012.

There are now 62 total inductees in the Hall of Fame. This year’s class includes four inductees and three “legacy inductees” like Gibson who have been inducted posthumously. The Class of 2024 includes:

• Danielle Bennett of Auburndale, Florida
• Rick Browne of Portland, Oregon
• Steve Grady of Dudley, North Carolina
• Ed Maurin of Kansas City, Missouri
• Matt Garner of Houston, Texas
• Bob Gibson of Decatur, Alabama
• Jose “Joe” Romero of Los Angeles, California

“For many, barbecue is a sport. These pitmasters, restaurant owners and barbecue enthusiasts are talented, creative individuals with a distinct passion for their ‘sport’ and have dedicated their careers, or their lives, to service in the barbecue industry.”

~ Jackie McClaskey, president and CEO of the American Royal Association

There will be an induction ceremony in Kansas City during the 44th American Royal World Series of Barbecue in November.

The history of Big Bob Gibson

According to the restaurant, Bob Gibson began serving food from a makeshift table in his backyard, drawing people in from miles away. He weighed around 300 pounds and stood at 6-foot-4, so friends would call him Big Bob.

Gibson created his first storefront that moved around Decatur, trying to find enough space to cater to the demand for his food. Tables were often full and the lines grew longer as more and more people discovered the food.

“Bob Gibson is credited with helping craft the strong barbecue landscape in Alabama, and the creation of his own pit barbecue technique. Gibson also developed Alabama White Sauce, which is on restaurant menus and store shelves all over the world.”

~ Barbecue Hall of Fame

There may not have been many recorded cooking competitions during Gibson’s day but his techniques and recipes have been used to help the restaurant win several awards over the years including:

• 5 Grand Champion prizes for pork at the Memphis in May World Championships
• 4 time Tennessee State Champions
• 3 time Alabama State Champions
• 1 time Louisiana State Champion
• Invitational Grand Champion at the American Royal International Barbecue Contest
• Restaurant of the Year from National Barbecue Association

You can see a full list of their awards on the restaurant’s website.

Hungry yet?

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, the restaurant, is already a member of the hall of fame. There are two locations in Decatur for you to enjoy including:

• 1715 6th Ave SE (US Highway 31), Decatur, AL 35601
• 2520 Danville Road SW, Decatur, AL 35603

But you can also order online to get barbecue + the white sauce shipped straight to you.

Have you ever eaten at Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q? Let us know what your favorite dish is by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.