Big Bolton's BBQ

Big Bolton's BBQ and Steak House was a barbecue restaurant located at 140 Purple Heart Drive in Springville. It was owned by Birmingham News sports reporter Mike Bolton.

Bolton retired from full-time reporting at The News in July 2009, and opened the restaurant, originally located at 3467 U.S. Highway 11 in Argo on August 31. Bolton honed his cooking skills preparing Wednesday night supper at ClearBranch United Methodist Church, and was encouraged by his fellow church members to open a restaurant. Big Bolton's serveed breakfast as well as barbeque pork, catfish, hamburgers, and other Southern dishes.

The original Argo location was a 45-seat establishment which formerly housed Wrap-a-Licious Neighborhood Grill, then Senor Tom's Mexican and Seafood restaurant. On October 1, 2010, the restaurant relocated to a much larger building, originally a Ryan's, in Springville. Bolton closed the restaurant at the end of August 2011, citing lacking sales and increasing food costs.

References

• Carlton, Bob (September 4, 2009) "Mike Bolton goes into the barbecue business." Birmingham News
• Coman, Victoria L. (September 9, 2009) "Ex-News sports writer opens Argo restaurant." Birmingham News
• Poe, Ryan August 30, 2011) "Big Bolton's Barbecue closes in Springville." Birmingham Business Journal