NORTH CAROLINA
“MODELING OR BARBECUE?”
Debbie Webb says from across the table. “Those were the choices Mamma B. gave me. I was in modeling school and loved it. I showed a lot of promise, and there were opportunities, but I knew that I had a sure thing here.”
Mamma B. is in fact Debbie’s mother, but everyone calls her Mamma B. She is the matriarch of Bridges Barbecue, which she rules with an iron skillet. She is loved by all. “She still comes around, goes fishing on the weekend at Lake Norman and gets her hair and nails fixed on Monday. Just don’t bother calling her when Bob Barker is on,” Debbie warns.
Debbie isn’t quite so blunt with her own son and daughter, Chase and Natalie. “They’re free to pursue whatever they want,” Debbie tells me. Of course, they are carrying on the family business. (Image 103)
Image 103
Red Bridges, Debbie’s father, was a cook in the army and learned from legendary barbecue master Warner Stamey. He bought Dedman’s Barbecue in 1946, and renamed it when they moved uptown in ’49. They eventually moved into their new building in ’53. (Image 104)
Image 104
A lot has changed around Bridges Barbecue Lodge. The Putt-Putt with its go-cart track and farmland across the street have long been replaced by the Shelby Mall. But almost nothing has changed at Bridges. The building, with its neon sign, is classic Googie-style roadside Americana architecture.
“I tried to get her to change it, but now, I’m so glad she didn’t listen to me,” Natalie says from across the booth.
Debbie adds, “People want it to stay the way it is. The way they remember it when they were kids. My father planted those big oaks that line the parking lot when we first opened up. They are now nearly sixty years old and their roots are tearing up the parking lot. The word got out that I was thinking about cutting them down. Let me tell you, people started marching in here telling me I couldn’t do that. ‘I got my first kiss under those trees. Me and my sweetie used to picnic under those trees. Now we’re grandparents. My first born was...’”
MAMMA B.’S DEVILED EGG SANDWICH
Mash up the eggs and mix in all the ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Put on your favorite bread and enjoy. Makes enough for 6 good-size sandwiches. (Image 105)
Image 105: Bridge’s Barbecue Lodge 2000 E. Dixon Boulevard • Shelby, NC 28152 • (704)482-8567