LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Brooks' House of BBQ upon the occasion
of its designation as recipient of the 2016 America's Classics Award by
the James Beard Foundation on May 2, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize illustri-
ous culinary establishments which have positively impacted and substan-
tially contributed to the vitality of their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Brooks' House of BBQ upon the occasion of its designation as recipient
of the 2016 America's Classics Award by the James Beard Foundation to be
celebrated at its 26th Annual Awards Ceremony on Monday, May 2, 2016, at
the Lyric Opera, Chicago, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious award is bestowed upon locally owned restau-
rants that have been in existence for at least ten years, exude a time-
less appeal, and serve quality food that reflects the character of its
communities; Brooks' House of BBQ has played a role in bringing its
community together, representing the heart and soul of our national
culinary landscape; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1986, the James Beard Foundation celebrates,
nurtures, and honors America's diverse culinary heritage through
programs which educate and inspire; and
WHEREAS, A cookbook author and teacher with a vast knowledge about
food, the late James Beard was a true connoisseur; Brooks' House of BBQ
represents the kind of restaurant that this food enthusiast loved, a
classic institution which truly represents American food; and
WHEREAS, In 1912, John McClelland and his wife founded a chicken farm
in Stamford, New York; in 1951, a catering business was established,
followed by a drive-in; ten years later, Brooks' House of BBQ restaurant
opened in Oneonta, New York, with seating for 80 guests and a staff of
about 15 employees; and
WHEREAS, For over 50 years, thousands of the restaurant's loyal
customers have enjoyed chicken that has been cooked the same way, over a
38-foot indoor charcoal pit that creates blistered skin and a backyard
flavor that goes bone deep; through the years, their proven tried and
true formula has not lost its appeal; and
WHEREAS, Besides their world famous chicken, Brooks' House of BBQ
offers many other classic good home cooking meals including ribs, pulled
pork, and brisket; in addition, the eatery offers a salad bar that comes
with its delicious coleslaw, fresh from the oven bread, tempting
desserts, and a spiced apple ring, dyed deep garnet, which tops each
bird; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Ryan and Beth Brooks manage the popular restaurant
beloved by both local residents and tourists enjoying the beautiful
Leatherstocking and Catskill Mountain region; and
WHEREAS, Visitors from far and near enjoy the hominess of the restau-
rant with its rust-and-toffee colored interior which features rooster-
print wallpaper, a scalloped lunch counter, and state-themed paper
placemats that detail the entirety of the Brooks' BBQ Campus; and
WHEREAS, The Brooks BBQ complex is comprised of a banquet center, gift
store, children's park, picnic area, and a sauce bottling plant, making
it a perfect place for families to spend quality time together; and
WHEREAS, The sparkling success enjoyed by Brooks' House of BBQ is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its 95 employees who make each and
every customer feel like he or she is eating a home cooked meal; and
WHEREAS, For over five decades, the third generation owners and
employees of Brooks' House of BBQ have brought an uncommon sense of

quality and spirit to the community, providing Oneonta and the Cats-
kill-Leatherstocking region not only with good food, but also with good
old-fashioned memories to enjoy; and
WHEREAS, It is fitting that this Legislative Body recognize local
businesses such as Brooks' House of BBQ which have become institutions
in the community, as well as the successful entrepreneurs who have
nurtured them throughout the years; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Brooks' House of BBQ upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the 2016 America's Classics Award by the James Beard Foun-
dation, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the same sparkl-
ing success and indomitable spirit which has so characterized its past;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ryan and Beth Brooks, owners, Brooks' House of BBQ.