Leon's Bar-B-Q
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1940 |
| Founder | Leon Finney Sr. |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Chicago, Illinois |
| Products | Barbecue (rib tips, hot links, fried catfish) |
Leon's Bar-B-Q is a barbecue restaurant chain based in Chicago, known as one of the city's pioneering barbecue venues and a key influence in shaping Chicago-style barbecue.
History
Established in 1940 by Leon Finney Sr., a native of Mississippi, Leon's played a significant role in popularizing the "Delta style" barbecue prevalent on Chicago's South Side. This style is characterized by the use of rib tips, a low-cost cut often discarded by butchers, which are smoked in a distinctive "aquarium smoker". Rib tips became a common feature in African-American dining spots and have grown in popularity and value over time. Originally, ribs were sold for 30¢ per serving. The restaurant temporarily closed due to price control regulations but was later reopened on 83rd Street after Finney accumulated sufficient funds.
At its height, Leon's operated four locations throughout Chicago. For the protection of patrons, meals were served behind bulletproof glass partitions. The chain was slated to be the largest food vendor at the 1982 ChicagoFest but pulled out following an African-American-led boycott connected to political disagreements.
Although the chain ceased operations in 2011, it was revived in 2017 by Finney's son, Leon Jr., after actor Denzel Washington's social media mention of his childhood visits brought renewed attention.
Leon's menu is highlighted by hickory-smoked rib tips and hot links, typically served atop fries with barbecue sauce, complemented by fried catfish.