Rochester, NY – The owner of Sticky Lips Pit BBQ, Howard Nielsen, is celebrating its twelfth year in business at the corner of Culver and Atlantic Avenue. “The restaurant is really a city success story, in that I had been in business with Chester Cab Pizza for 21 years already before I attempted Sticky Lips BBQ,” says Nielsen. “I knew the area well and felt comfortable in pushing two blocks outside the already successful neighborhood of the arts. I was the first restaurant to push that boundary, and I remember people telling me I was nuts.”
To this day, customers to the restaurant still remember the sign on opening day, April 21st, 2004: “I just spent my life savings, please eat my food.” Nielsen laughs because he says twelve years later, he is still living the same “on the edge” lifestyle. He has recently purchased the two acre corner lot and building, which is currently undergoing extensive renovations and will be rebranded as Photo City Junction. “It’s in the DNA of an entrepreneur to have the confidence and hopefully the knowhow to make your investment and idea into a business that can do some good for the world. When I had the idea of starting a barbecue business and was looking for space to rent, I had no idea all the good this location would offer.”
One of the things Nielsen is most proud of is being able to provide jobs for 180 full and part-time employees. Says Nielsen, “I like working with young people, and I have a very diverse group of employees. I have a great relationship with the Bowman and Leighton Avenue neighborhood, next to where the restaurant is located. I try to be a good example of a leader and business owner.”
Over the last twelve years, Sticky Lips BBQ has perfected the art of smoking meats. The restaurant offers an extensive menu of items all made from scratch. “We have the best staff, procedures, and menu that Sticky Lips BBQ has ever had. With the addition of executive chef Earl Young we have made great strides in our kitchen. The original smokehouse at Culver Road has just undergone an extensive make-over that will help streamline high volume production that comes with the increase in barbecue fundraisers, catering, and restaurant business.”
Nielsen is pushing his staff and preaching food quality every day. “We’re making the best and freshest barbecue in our twelve year history.”
Sticky Lips Pit BBQ is located at 625 Culver Road, Rochester, NY 14609, at the corner of Atlantic and Culver.
(585) 288-1910
www.stickylipsbbq.com