John McCutcheon has been with Golden Rule Bar-B-Q in Pell City for a decade, but even before that he was no stranger to the restaurant business, working in everything from fast food to fine dining. He knows how to run a successful brand, and the constant crowd at his restaurant exemplifies that fact.

He said he believes the things that define a great restaurant are customer service and great food. “You need both of those elements to succeed — one without the other just doesn’t work in the food industry,” he said.

To him, and many of his customers, it’s the impressive variety on the menu that sets Golden Rule apart from other restaurants in the area.

“We’ve got barbeque, but we also have steak, shrimp, catfish, tilapia and sometimes salmon,” McCutcheon said. He offers specials every day of the week and on weekends, and the entire menu is available for catering events of all sizes.

Throughout his career with Golden Rule Bar-B-Q, McCutcheon has traveled to multiple locations to help other branches of the restaurant succeed. These stops area spread throughout the state of Alabama and into Mississippi. Out of all of those places, Pell City is where he planted his roots.

“The people here take care of us,” he said. “They have always responded well to our food, and they are loyal to us. Loyal customers are an essential part a restaurant’s success. If we can guarantee them consistency and quality, they’ll be back.”

McCutcheon and the rest of the Golden Rule staff return that loyalty with a commitment to the local community. The restaurant is actively involved in many nonprofit organizations in an effort give back to the city, and they even sponsor the Panther Den for Pell City High School.

“We’re just trying to give back to the community, since they give so much to us,” McCutcheon said.

This theme of loyalty continues into his staff. Several of the employees have worked there for as long as McCutcheon, and one member of the team was the restaurant’s first hire 13 years ago. Having such longevity in his team members has created a great work environment.

“By now, we’re like a big family, it makes it a great place to work,” McCutcheon said.

For more information on specials and menu choices, like Golden Rule BBQ on Facebook or visit their website at goldenrulebbq.biz. 

Golden Rue’s Famous BBQ Ribs

$10.99 (Regular)

$12.99 (Jumbo)

We start with our own special cut ribs, marinate them overnight in our secret recipe, smoke them for hours, then baste with our Original Sweet Sauce over our pit. 

Golden Rule Bar-B-Q

1700 Martin St N,

Pell City, Al 35125

(205) 338-1443

goldenrulebbq.biz