Jay’s on Sherwood celebrates 60th anniversary

In April 1954, then-convenience store manager Jay Prothro decided to open a simple barbecue stand on Government Street. Selling hamburgers and smoked pork, chicken and beef with a distinct savory sauce, Prothro quickly built a loyal following, and later expanded the stand to a full-fledged restaurant a block away. Sixty years later, Jay’s Barbecue still inspires plenty of fans, some of whom started as toddlers eating “sauce bread” (sandwich bread slathered in Jay’s barbecue sauce), says Connie Newton, Prothro’s daughter.

Prothro sold the Government Street operation in 1983 to longtime employee Floyd LeBlanc. The Mid City spot is now run by LeBlanc’s son, Milton. Newton and her husband Rick opened Jay’s on Sherwood Forest Boulevard in 1978, where Prothro himself is still known to make regular appearances on Saturday mornings. Next week, the eatery at 5734 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd. will feature a different 60th anniversary special each day, as well as daily complimentary cake and ice cream and 60-cent drinks. For more information on Jay’s Barbecue, call 293-1232.

Note: Jay’s on Sherwood will be closed on April 18-19 in observance of Easter.—Maggie Heyn Richardson