Alabama’s oldest restaurant now under new ownership

Alabama’s oldest restaurant now under new ownership

Alabama’s oldest restaurant is under new ownership, with plans to once again expand the brand.

Trussville restaurateur Brian Kemp has purchased the original Golden Rule Bar-B-Q location in Irondale, to join the location he bought and reopened last year in Trussville.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In an announcement, Kemp said all employees will keep their jobs. He also plans to “open new locations across the Southeast and explore new business opportunities while staying true to its roots,” according to an announcement.

Golden Rule once had locations throughout the Southeast. Franchises currently operate in Pell City and Andalusia.

“We are excited to carry on the Golden Rule BBQ legacy and build upon the incredible foundation established by Mike Matsos (who bought the franchise in 1969),” Kemp said in a statement. “Our goal is to bring this beloved restaurant to even more communities and share our passion for authentic Southern-style barbecue with even more people.”

The first Golden Rule opened its doors in 1891 and is the 16th oldest restaurant in the U.S., according to the company website.