< Back to Oral History project: Southern BBQ Trail
< Back to Oral History project: Alabama BBQ
ORAL HISTORY
Sam Nakos
Demetri Nakos arrived in Birmingham from Greece in 1955. His first job was with an uncle who ran Oakland Barbecue. There, Demetri paid his dues, making barbecue for Ensley steelworkers on the city’s west side. In 1961 Demetri found a business partner and opened El Rancho, a barbecue restaurant in Homewood. In 1972, Demetri saw another opportunity and left El Rancho to open his namesake barbecue restaurant in the same neighborhood. Demetri earned his reputation for barbecue cooked on an open pit, homemade sides, and signature fried pies. Demetri passed away in 2002. One of his sons, Sam Nakos, carries on his father’s legacy. He carries on their Greek heritage, as well, only hiring Greeks as pitmasters.