Chicken Comers BBQ

Chicken Comer’s BBQ became famous in 1929, during the Great Depression. Anderson “Uncle Chicken” Comer, Sr. started this barbecue legacy out of a house in Phenix City, AL. M
any patrons lined up to get a taste of sauce that was so good; they didn’t mind it being drizzled over the barbecue with a mop. For more than 70 years, the original diner served as a barbecue institution to many. Upon the death of “Uncle Chicken,” his great-niece Mary Screws and her family carried on the legendary tradition. As a young child, Mary worked under her Grandfather and reopened the restaurant in the 1980s. She operated a version of the BBQ joint until 2002, and later died in 2004. The restaurant is now owned by Terry Bussey, and operated at a new location in Columbus, GA.

Chicken Comer’s has become a landmark to many people. One of its fans, Michael Mathews recalled the years he enjoyed the food and wonderful atmosphere at Chicken Comer’s. Being that he is a filmmaker, Mathews decided to create a documentary on the sauce. Mathews tells the story of a well respected black man that possessed a lot of business sense and the love for great barbecue. Mathews interviewed many Alabama residents who all had nothing but respect and admiration for “Uncle Chicken” Comer.

Today, Chicken Comer’s BBQ is located at 2609 Desmond Drive, in Columbus, GA.