Discover the Legacy of Indianapolis' Iconic Bar-B-Q Heaven
Bar-B-Q Heaven: A Legacy in Indianapolis’ Black-Owned Business Community Bar-B-Q Heaven has long stood as a cornerstone of Indianapolis’ Black-owned business community. Founded by renowned grill master Ronald Jones, the establishment has become a loc...
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Bar-B-Q Heaven: A Legacy in Indianapolis’ Black-Owned Business Community
Bar-B-Q Heaven has long stood as a cornerstone of Indianapolis’ Black-owned business community. Founded by renowned grill master Ronald Jones, the establishment has become a local icon, known not only for its signature barbecue but also for its deep roots and lasting impact on the community.
Since opening in 1952, Bar-B-Q Heaven has served generations of Indianapolis residents with classic barbecue offerings. Despite challenges related to customer loyalty, location changes, and competitive pricing, the business has thrived for more than 70 years.
What began on Indiana Avenue has grown into two locations, one on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street and another on East 30th Street.
“We are very appreciative of the people, our people, the people of Indy, the people of color that have supported us through the years,” Jones said.
Jones’ journey into the barbecue business began in 1951, when he started selling his food on a street corner near Frederick Douglass Park. After two successful summers, his parents joined him, helping to establish the first brick-and-mortar location on Indiana Avenue in 1952.
A Tradition of Flavor
The menu at Bar-B-Q Heaven reflects a commitment to traditional barbecue, featuring ribs, chicken, pork chops, and the restaurant’s well-known BBQ on Bun sandwiches. Guests can also enjoy a selection of pies and cakes.
Jones credits part of the restaurant’s distinctive flavor to a shift in cooking methods, moving from charcoal to wood.
“With the moisture that the wood puts off in the smoke and aroma, it cooks from the inside out which makes it a little more moist,” he explained.
Resilience and Longevity
Even after being displaced from its original Indiana Avenue location, the Jones family remained committed to preserving the legacy of Bar-B-Q Heaven. Their perseverance ensured the business remained a staple in the city’s cultural and culinary landscape.
Today, Bar-B-Q Heaven stands as one of Indianapolis’ longest-running businesses, continuing to serve its community across two locations.
Visit Bar-B-Q Heaven
For more information, patrons can contact:
- East 30th Street location: (317) 283-0035
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street location: (317) 926-1667
