Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q is a barbecue restaurant in Decatur, Alabama, opened in 1925 by railway worker Bob Gibson and now run by the fifth generation of his family [1][2]. It is the birthplace of Alabama white sauce and has won barbecue contests including five Memphis in May championships, the latest in 2017, and Grand Champion at the 2004 American Royal [1]. In 2024 it took first place for pork shoulder at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest [2]. Two Decatur locations remain open [2].

From backyard to restaurant

In 1925 Gibson began smoking pork and chicken on weekends in hickory-fired brick pits, serving customers at a makeshift table nailed to a sycamore tree in his backyard [1]. His popularity led to larger restaurant locations in Decatur, and he left the railroad to focus on barbecue full time [1]. Gibson died in 1973, and his family kept the business going and passed down the recipes [2].

The white sauce

The restaurant’s signature is the white sauce of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, black pepper and salt, created in 1925 and originally served only with chicken [2][3]. Every chicken is dunked in the sauce after slow roasting for more than three hours, and about 25 gallons are made daily [1]. In July 2026 Southern Living readers included the sauce on a 50-item “Southern Food Hall of Fame” list [3]. See Alabama White Sauce.

Competition record and legacy

The restaurant has won five Memphis in May championships and the 2004 American Royal Grand Champion title [1]. Bottled sauce began to be sold retail in the 1990s and is now available nationwide [2]. The restaurant is a landmark of Decatur and of Alabama barbecue.

Origins

Bob Gibson (1888-1972) opened the restaurant in Decatur in 1925 after selling barbecued chicken from a backyard shack. The original menu was pork shoulder, chicken, coleslaw and potato chips; beef brisket and turkey were added in the late 1980s, and pork shoulders are now dry-rubbed and smoked for about 17 hours.[4]

White sauce

The restaurant is known for its white barbecue sauce, a mayonnaise and vinegar blend with black pepper used to finish smoked chicken. In July 2026 Southern Living readers included it on a list of iconic Southern foods.[4]

Family and competitions

Gibson’s daughter Catherine McLemore took over daily operations in 1952, and after 1972 his grandchildren, including Don McLemore, ran the business, which the family still owns. The restaurant moved to a larger Sixth Avenue building in 1987 and opened a second Decatur location on Danville Road in 1992. Chris Lilly, who joined in 1992, led the team to five grand championships at Memphis in May (2000, 2003, 2011, 2014 and 2017) and a record 13 first-place category finishes. The restaurant marked its 100th anniversary in 2025.[4]

FAQs

Where is Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q? In Decatur, Alabama [1][2].

What is it famous for? Smoked chicken and pork with the original white sauce [1][2].

Sources

1. The Takeout: What Are The Origins Of Alabama White Barbecue Sauce?
2. Mental Floss: The Delectable History of Alabama White Barbecue Sauce
3. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Big Bob Gibson’s White Sauce
4. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Big Bob Gibson BBQ

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 10, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue