April 24, 2015 – The Irondale Commercial Development Authority (CDA) recognized Golden Rule Bar-B-Q as their April 2015, Business of the Month. Several Irondale elected and public officials attended a special award ceremony to honor this long time pillar of the Irondale community.

Golden Rule is the oldest continuously running restaurant in the state of Alabama, and the sixteenth oldest in the country.

The Williams family opened the first Golden Rule way back in 1891, not far from its current location in Irondale. The original building was along a dirt road, and in addition to serving barbecue, they sold beer and cigarettes and when the automobile came along, did occasional car repairs.

Birmingham restaurateur Michael Matsos of Michael’s Sirloin Room bought Golden Rule from Jabo Stone around 1970, and when Interstate 20 was being built, Matsos moved the restaurant across U.S. 78 into its fourth home, strategically located near the Irondale exit ramp. After Matsos began franchising, Nick Manakides became the first franchisee when he bought the Golden Rule on U.S. 31 in Hoover in 1976.

Irondale CDA board member, Steve Marino presented long time Golden Rule Bar-B-Q, General Manager, Sammy Derzis with the CDA award.  According to Marino, ” Golden Rule Bar-B-Q is a true landmark and institution of the Irondale business community.  It serves as a shining example of the very best Irondale has to offer.”