Craving a taste of Detroit history and some seriously good barbecue? That’s what Slows Bar-B-Q delivers. This isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a symbol of Detroit’s resurgence.
Slows Bar-B-Q opened its doors in 2005. It was located on a block that was mostly abandoned. The location was in Corktown. Corktown is Detroit’s oldest neighborhood. Chef Brian Perrone and Phillip Cooley founded it. Slows quickly gained a loyal following. It won fans with its chef-driven approach to barbecue. The barbecue was cooked fresh daily. They also had a love for craft beer. Slows showed a dedication to the community.
Slows Bar-B-Q became one of Detroit’s first modern destination restaurants. In its first year, it generated $1.8 million. The restaurant’s popularity helped revitalize Corktown. Some say that Slows brought people from the suburbs back to the city. People waited in line for hours.
Let’s talk about the food. Slows Bar-B-Q is known for its mouthwatering sandwiches. The “Yardbird” is a standout. It features pulled chicken breast marinated in mustard. It also has mushrooms, cheddar, and applewood bacon. All are served on a poppy-seed bun. Adam Richman from Man vs. Food loved it. The Yardbird competed on Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America. It won the Great Lakes episode. It almost won the whole competition.
Then there’s the “Triple Threat Pork.” It has applewood-smoked bacon, pulled pork, and grilled ham. All are piled high on a poppy-seed bun. It’s a true meat lover’s dream.
Actress Erin Cummings joked that you can’t eat healthy at Slows. You have to go ready to “knock it back.” Adam Richman called the food “a truly life-changing experience.” He also raved about the macaroni and cheese. He called it “transcendental”. Food and Wine magazine named it one of the top ten mac and cheeses in America.
Originally owned by the Cooley family and chef Brian Perrone, Slows Bar-B-Q underwent a change in 2023. The Cooley family sold their shares to Slows Holdings. Slows Holdings is owned by Chef Brian Perrone, Terry Perrone, and Josh Keillor.
Today, Slows Bar-B-Q has multiple locations. There’s the flagship in Corktown. There is also Slows To Go in Midtown. You can find it inside the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. They even have a food truck. Slows continues to grow and innovate. They plan to open more locations in southeast Michigan. They will be both dine-in and to-go. A second food truck is also planned. More items will be added to their retail line.
So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, Slows Bar-B-Q is a must-visit. It offers a true taste of Detroit. It has incredible food, a dedication to the community, and a rich history. It all makes Slows an iconic Detroit experience.