Press
John Davis, "Book Review: Discover Alabama Barbecue," The Decatur Daily, Nov. 26, 2017.
"Johnson is legion in his storytelling. We delight to know who Big Bob Gibson was, and how he started from his backyard on the Old Danville Road near Decatur. Archibald's began from a humble storefront in Northport, and now serves their famous pork and ribs in the whole Tuscaloosa area. Bob Syke's in Bessemer does so well they support a center for abused children."
Andy MacDonald, "Alabama Barbecue Book," Lagniappe Weekly, August 9, 2017
"What is a guy from Milwaukee doing writing a book about Alabama barbecue? Who does he think he is? Well, when you graduate from the University of Alabama with a doctorate in history, I would imagine you’ve spent a little more than a few study breaks within the walls of some of our finest smoky joints on your journey to becoming a professional historian."
"Johnson argues that barbecue in Alabama has become more inclusive over the years and sometimes offered opportunity to the same people it oppressed. Since black slaves served as pitmasters in the early days, he says, they held and were best positioned to pass on the knowledge of how to do it well. In the late-19th century, institutions such as the Negro Business League of Montgomery held their own barbecues to raise membership, and barbecue also provided a ladder for black entrepreneurs in the 20th century to open businesses such as "Big Daddy" John Bishop's legendary Tuscaloosa restaurant Dreamland Cafe."
"History of Alabama Barbecue Closely Linked to Politics, Civil Rights," Al.com, March 8, 2015
"Johnson's essay offers an overview of Alabama barbecue's colonial beginnings, roles in race and class relations, the emergence of social clubs and the rise of barbecue restaurants in the 20th century."
Ed Enoch, "Alabama Barbecue about Politics, Culture, History," Tuscaloosa News, March 1, 2015
"I got to think about power and community development. What surprised me was barbecue was sort of powerful, and the people who owned it hosted these things. You could use that to track the power relationships in wider society."
"UA Professor Examines Cultural Impact of Barbecue on Alabama," University of Alabama, August 29, 2013.
"There are places that love barbecue and do it well. Then there’s the South, where barbecue could be considered a second religion (behind only college football). A University of Alabama professor is set to explore how barbecue became a cultural phenomenon within the borders of the state."