A neighborhood Barbeque stable feeding more than just the soul
They say soul food is good for the soul, but what about BBQ? What if that BBQ is coming from a staple within the community that everyone flocks to? The BBQ is not only feeding one’s soul, but literally feeding the community.
Mr. Berry is a native South Georgian with farming roots. Migrating to Atlanta in 1981 to begin a new life in the city. Berry later found himself in East Atlanta’s South DeKalb County; at the time, the most affluent community among Blacks throughout the 90s.
Berry thought he wanted to get away from farming, but later found himself wanting to give back to the South DeKalb community by using farming to feed and teach job skills. “It came to me in a dream. I really had a dream one night about having a stand,” says Berry. “And here I am 30 years later still in operation.”
In 1992, Berry started, “Mr. B’s Backyard BBQ.” Managing two different farm stands, one on Wesley Chapel Road and a second on Glenwood Road in Belvedere Park. Berry earned the nickname, “Mr. B.” Berry’s clientele does not consist of local residents, but local corporate employees, DeKalb County employees, and contractors.
Berry has provided a number of jobs to locals for them to earn extra cash, and to young pre-teens to help them obtain work experience and learn more about servicing their community. Berry has made it a priority to make sure that no one walks away with an empty stomach, “Depending on their situation. I may allow someone to buy a plate for 40, 50 or sometimes even 60% off,” says Berry. “If I am here I can afford to be here. I receive a pension and a retirement. I really don’t need this money, but I do need to see my community thrive by making sure that they are able to eat.”
During the time of this interview with Berry, I personally witnessed a customer low on funds negotiate with him to receive a plate of food and she return later that day with the necessary funds to pay for her food. Berry’s Glenwood Road location in Belvedere Park consists of a demographic of majority of low-income residents.
Now, 31 years later, Berry has slowed down a bit and has closed down his Wesley Chapel stand, but still continues to operate his Glenwood location. As the demographics change within the Belvedere Park community, Berry not only continues to find joy in serving local residents the BBQ, fresh fruits, and vegetables that he is known for, but also the dedication of a community activist managing a community landmark that everyone knows.
