In the backdrop of 1961, a pivotal year for my family, the narrative of perseverance and opportunity unfolds. My father, Vince, found himself in the midst of a demanding life, supporting a family of thirteen through multiple jobs. Little did we know that a chance offer from Phil Polizzi, the proprietor of the esteemed Phil’s Bar-B-Que, would mark the beginning of a transformative journey.
Working tirelessly to make ends meet, my father took on various jobs, from waving towels at passing cars near Busch Stadium to managing my grandmother’s apartment building. His primary occupation involved navigating the hectic world of delivery routes for the Hostess Cake Company, a job that demanded physical exertion and took a toll on his health.
Enter Phil Polizzi, the charismatic owner of Phil’s Bar-B-Que, a local gem known for its delectable ribs and warm atmosphere. Phil made a surprising offer to my father: the chance to purchase the restaurant. The catch? The asking price was a substantial $35,000, a daunting sum at the time. However, the offer included financing, making ownership a feasible reality.
The decision was far from straightforward. Accepting Phil’s offer meant my father had to bid farewell to his existing jobs, including the impending pension from Hostess Cake. The financial risk was substantial, and the responsibilities associated with running a restaurant were uncharted territory for our family.
Despite skepticism from my older brother, who felt the price was exorbitant, my father chose to seize the opportunity. The prospect of a new beginning, coupled with Phil’s guidance during the transition, proved enticing enough to outweigh the uncertainties.
With the deal sealed, our family embarked on an intensive training period, immersing ourselves in the intricacies of restaurant management. The little brick-and-stone building on the corner of Elliott and Sullivan became our new venture. The transition from a Hostess Cake route to restaurant ownership was nothing short of a culinary adventure.
As the 1960s unfolded, the surrounding neighborhoods experienced shifts in demographics, and issues of racial segregation were palpable. Nevertheless, our BBQ joint stood resilient, becoming a cultural hub that transcended racial and cultural boundaries.
While Phil Polizzi moved on to open another BBQ joint after selling the original location, our restaurant continued to thrive. It became not just a place for great food but a symbol of unity within the community, weathering the changes of the era.
In retrospect, the story of Phil’s Bar-B-Que became a cherished chapter in our family’s history. The little restaurant on Elliott and Sullivan, once a source of uncertainty, evolved into a symbol of our family’s resilience, adaptability, and enduring legacy.
As the years passed, Phil’s Bar-B-Que continued to leave an indelible mark on the local culinary scene. Beyond its delicious ribs and warm ambiance, it became a testament to the transformative power of seizing unexpected opportunities and navigating the complexities of change.
The legacy of that little brick-and-stone building, with its aromatic BBQ smoke wafting through the air, lives on as a cherished part of our family’s narrative.
To know the whole story behind the restaurant ownership and many more struggles, laughs, and memories that provide a sense of purpose and direction in the tumultuous seas of life, consider reading “An Unforgettable Pastime.”
Authored by me, Michael, the eighth of ten children, this memoir paints a vivid picture of our 1961 North St. Louis life. It reveals the significance of history, the tenacity of familial ties, and the enduring power of shared memories through the prism of our family restaurant. This book pays homage to the tenacity and extraordinary strength that can be found in a loved one’s embrace. “An Unforgettable Pastime” is an inspiring reminder of the enduring human spirit and the joy of reminiscing. So, let’s embrace our family’s essence, nurture it, and find solace in memories that make each of us unique and truly special.