Carrying on his legacy: Buddy’s Bar-B-Que reopens in Alabaster – Shelby County Reporter

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Buddy’s Bar-B-Que reopened to the public on March 21 and the city of Alabaster celebrated its return with a grand reopening and ribbon cutting on April 5. (Contributed)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Administrator Editor

ALABASTER – After closing late last year due to the death of its founder, Kenneth “Buddy” Hyde, Buddy’s Bar-B-Que is back open and continuing to serve the local community as Kenneth’s children carry on his legacy.

“It’s a good feeling to be able to serve the community and to be able to reopen and keep an old restaurant that has served them for so long going,” said Danny Hyde, Kenneth’s son. “It’s really an honor for us.”

Buddy’s Bar-B-Que reopened to the public on March 21 and the city of Alabaster celebrated its return with a grand reopening and ribbon cutting on April 5.

“It’s an honor and it makes us proud to continue the legacy he built,” said Missy Hyde, Kenneth’s daughter. “The fact that we know we’re doing as well or just as well as he is is very satisfying.”

Buddy’s Bar-B-Que first started after Kenneth purchased Tex Smith BBQ in 1976 before eventually changing the restaurant’s name to match his own colloquial nickname. Kenneth would serve Alabaster and the surrounding community as it continued to grow into the largest city in Shelby County.

Missy and Danny continue Kenneth’s legacy by offering many of the same dishes with the same signature sauce and flavor that the local staple is known for.

“For the most part, everything is exactly the same,” Missy said. “We still cook everything the same way and it’s the same recipes for everything.”

The most popular items on the menu are the company’s burgers, onion rings and, of course, barbecue sandwiches.

Danny highlighted the work that goes into preparing food at Buddy’s Bar-B-Que and how the restaurant’s level of freshness sets them apart from their competitors.

“A lot of work goes into preparing that food so that it is of good quality,” Danny said. “We don’t order it in bulk from our supplier and put it in a cup. I think this sets us apart when it comes to good preparation.”

Buddy’s Bar-B-Que also continues to offer Kenneth’s signature barbecue sauce and seasonings, all based on family recipes.

“Ours is unique because you can’t get that flavor anywhere else but here,” Danny said.

Now that Buddy’s Bar-B-Que is back, Danny and Missy find it a rewarding experience to continue serving the business’ customers.

“We love alabaster,” Danny said. “We want to continue to serve them. We have been here all our lives.”

Buddy’s Bar-B-Que is located at 411 1st Street N. at Highway 31 in Alabaster and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Those who want to stay up to date with the company and get a glimpse of special offers can follow the restaurant on Facebook at Facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550291131176. The company can also be found online at Buddysbarbquealabaster.com.