Irondale, Ala. – In a deliciously historic feat, Golden Rule Bar-B-Q & Grill, one of America’s oldest barbecue joints, broke the Guinness World Record for the most pulled pork sandwiches sold in an eight-hour span last week.
The long-loved Irondale staple, founded in 1891, sold a whopping 6,200 sandwiches on August 9, surpassing the previous record of 4,775 set earlier this year.(ABC 33/40),(WVTM 13)
Moment of Celebration
The event wasn’t just about barbecue; it was a community celebration. To honor the occasion, Governor Kay Ivey and Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. declared August 9, 2025, as Golden Rule BBQ & Grill Day in Irondale.(Yellowhammer News)
Within the restaurant, the mood was electric: crowds filled the parking lot and dining room, live music played, and families enjoyed games, giveaways, and—of course—those iconic 95¢ pork sandwiches (limited to 10 per customer).
When the Guinness official confirmed the record, confetti fell and cheers erupted as the staff held a framed certificate aloft.(Yellowhammer News)
A Legacy of Flavor and Family
Golden Rule BBQ isn’t just old—it’s a piece of living history. Established in 1891, it’s among the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the U.S. After changing hands from the founding family, it was acquired by Brian Kemp in 2023 and continues its tradition of Southern barbecue excellence.(Wikipedia)
Community First
In a live Facebook stream after the event, the team thanked fans for their support and made a promise to those who missed out: they wouldn’t be forgotten and would be taken care of soon.(ABC 33/40)
What This Means for Irondale
This record-breaking success is more than a fun headline—it’s a powerful testament to Irondale’s community spirit and enduring pride. Mayor Stewart summed it up best:
“This was more than a world record. It was Irondale showing up for one of its oldest institutions. Golden Rule BBQ isn’t just making sandwiches—it’s feeding generations.”
