Barberton Fried Chicken: An Ohio Original

by Ronald Koltnow

Overview

Grab a seat and a handful of napkins and join author Ron Koltnow as he recounts the mouthwatering story of an Ohio original.

Founded by industrialist Ohio Columbus Barber, Barberton drew workers from around the globe, especially eastern Europe. Immigrants brought their traditions and their cuisine. In time, Barberton became home to five Serbian fried chicken restaurants, all within a two-mile radius. Belgrade Gardens, Hopocan Gardens, White House Chicken, Terrace Gardens and Milich's Village Inn (later Village Inn Chicken) were Serbian in origin yet consummately American. All served up the traditional dinner - chicken, fries, coleslaw and hot sauce. Against all challengers, Barberton proudly defends its title as "Fried Chicken Capital of the World."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781467139724
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	11/19/2018
Series:	American Palate
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	1,104,128
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Ronald Koltnow is a retired sales representative for Penguin Random House. He has been a consultant for Your Expert Nation, a supervisor at Blue Cross and Blue Shield and a bookseller. Koltnow's articles have appeared in the AARSC Journal, Magill's Survey of Cinema, Magill's Film Annual and Washington, D.C.'s City Paper. He is a native Akronite but currently resides in Boston with his wife and two beloved cats.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 11

Introduction. Fried Chicken: An Appreciation 15

Chapter 1 A Brief, but Lively, History of Barberton 19

Part 1 The City 19

Part 2 The Founder 32

Chapter 2 Why Isn't Eastern European Food Trendy? 38

Chapter 3 The Eastern European Influence on the Cuisine of Barberton 43

Chapter 4 Barberton Fried Chicken 51

Chapter 5 Belgrade Cardens 58

Chapter 6 Hopocan Gardens 70

Chapter 7 White House Chicken 75

Chapter 8 Terrace Gardens 82

Chapter 9 Milich's Village Inn and Village Inn Chicken 85

Chapter 10 Macko's Restaurant 91

Chapter 11 Chickenfest! 96

Chapter 12 The Rivals of Barberton Fried Chicken: Other Regional Fried Chicken Houses 101

Chapter 13 Barberton Today 109

Afterword. A Personal History 115

Bibliography 117

Index 123

About the Author 125