As Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q prepares to shutter its doors on Sunday after a venerable 62-year run in Detroit's North End, neighborhood patrons and barbecue enthusiasts have rallied in the cold to show support for this local institution. Founded in 1964, the Black-owned family business has seen better days, with an outpouring of community support in its final hours. "I've been coming to Parks since I was a little girl with my dad, my mom. It's just an acquired taste. I mean, it's good. I've been eating it all my life," Denisha Powers told CBS News Detroit, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in the area.
With the business's closure imminent due to a combination of the owner's health issues and financial difficulties, staff and family members are contending with the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye. "This is his baby," said Chanell McGilary, an employee at Parks, in reference to Rod Parks Sr., who is currently ill. "Being that he's sick, that made us fall behind on a lot of bills," she explained to WXYZ. While enduring traffic declines, the spot's no-frills classics and beloved sauce have kept it as a neighborhood staple until now.
Parks' management has been scrambling to deactivate the online ordering system, with some patrons experiencing issues with unfulfilled orders – a hiccup amid the restaurant's last days. "I wanted to come and support them for the last time, and this is what we get," Curtis Paris expressed to WXYZ. Yet, the community's response has not waned, signaling deep ties to the eatery. "We can see how much the community loves us. We always get customers, but it’s just like – it hasn’t been this busy in years," said Chanell McGilary to clickondetroit.
The family has initiated a GoFundMe in hopes of keeping Parks Bar-B-Q afloat. "If Parks Bar-B-Q has touched anyone’s heart, we are asking anyone to help," McGilary urged, emphasizing the deep connections many have with the restaurant. Customer loyalty is evidenced by comments like Sharnice Swanson's, who told CBS News Detroit, "They should sell they sauce in stores so we can at least get this sauce. I'm gonna cry if they close. Seriously, that's how good they is." Nevertheless, unless there's a miracle, the sign on Parks' door confirmed its final day of service—February 8—closing a cherished chapter in Detroit's culinary history.
