In Alabama, there’s no shortage of great barbeque, and just about everyone has their go-to spot. But in Leeds, Rusty’s Bar-B-Q has carved out a loyal following as a beloved mom-and-pop staple, known for its fall-off-the-bone ribs, slow-smoked pulled pork, and welcoming atmosphere. At the helm of the ship is owner Rusty Tucker, who’s been in the business for nearly two decades.

Recently, I went back to my beloved hometown and stopped in for a classic pulled pork plate: sweet baked beans, potato salad, and some Alabama white sauce over it all. (Rusty would not disclose the recipe for his sauce; only that it’s mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and “secret spices.”) The meal tasted like comfort—and like home.

We sat down with Rusty Tucker to talk about how it all started, what sets Rusty’s apart, and what it means to be an integral part of the Leeds community.

How did Rusty’s Bar-B-Q get started, and what inspired you to open it in Leeds?

Rusty’s started with a simple idea: make people happy with good food. Barbeque has always been a big part of our family gatherings, and many of the recipes we serve today grew out of those traditions. In 2009 we decided to take that passion and turn it into something we could share with the community. Exit 140 in Leeds was an up and coming area at the time we decided to open our restaurant. Barber Motorsports was on this exit, and the Bass Pro Shop and Shops of Grand River had just been announced. We knew that we wanted to establish ourselves in the community and grow with the area as a business.

What makes Rusty’s different from other barbeque spots in Alabama?

Alabama has some incredible barbeque, so being part of that tradition is something we take seriously. What sets Rusty’s apart is the combination of family recipes, consistency, and the atmosphere we try to create.

We focus on doing the basics really well—slow-smoked meats, homemade sides, and flavors that are authentic and comforting. At the same time, we put a big emphasis on hospitality. We want people to feel welcomed when they walk in the door and leave feeling like they’ve had more than just a meal. For us, barbeque is about bringing people together, and that sense of connection is a big part of what makes Rusty’s special.

What are your most popular menu items—and why do you think customers love them?

Our top selling item is the pulled pork, followed by the cheeseburgers. That said, I am partial to the ribs, personally. Our smoked meats are cooked low and slow, which gives them that flavor and tenderness people expect from great barbeque. And though we offer four different homemade sauces, most of our smoked meats are served sauce on the side so that the meat can stand on its own merit. The sauces are there to compliment the meat, not cover it up!

How has the restaurant grown or changed over the years?

Rusty’s has grown through constant learning and adapting over the years. We’ve worked to refine our menu, improve our operations, and find ways to better serve our customers. One example is when we added the drive thru window to our operations during covid as a way to pivot and meet the needs of the community while also taking care of our employees. Catering events have also become a bigger part of what we do, which has helped us reach people outside the restaurant itself.

What does being part of the Leeds community mean to you?

Being part of the Leeds community means a lot to us. Over the years we’ve gotten to know so many families who have supported the restaurant, and many of them have become regulars and friends. We’ve seen kids grow up coming in with their parents, celebrated milestones with customers, and watched the community continue to grow. Small towns thrive when people support each other, and we’re grateful to be part of that. Our goal has always been to give back to the community that supports us—whether that’s through local events, catering, or simply providing a place where people can gather, relax, and enjoy a good meal together.

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