Barberton Fried Chicken: An Ohio Original

by Ronald Koltnow

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."

144 pages, Paperback

Published November 19, 2018

Reviews

[Ronald Koltnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I happened to have written this book. I also read it, several times. I will not give myself five stars or write a glowing review. However, I would like to say a few words about it. Barberton fried chicken was first made is a small Serbian restaurant called Belgrade Gardens in the industrial city of Barberton, PH. Twenty years later, there would be five Serbian restaurants (and one Slovak restaurant) all serving the same dinner- expertly fried chicken, fries, cabbage slaw, and hot sauce, a rice dish based on the Eastern European djuvece. All of the restaurants were within a two-mile radius of each other. As of 2018, four of those restaurants are still in business. This books covers the history of Barberton, a planned community, and its founder O. C. Barber, America's Match King. It discusses Eastern European food. Finally, it discusses the six Serbian chicken restaurants. Give it a read. I hope you'll enjoy it.

[Ross Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up around Barberton and traveled to many of the places talked about, it was edifying to learn about the history of the area and of course, the beloved fried chicken.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this book. I learned so much about my hometown's culture and history, about our signature meal and the way those restaurants grew and begat more restaurants, and about the people who sacrificed everything seeking a living, making a success and a community in the process. I've been gone for a long time, but this book made me feel a little closer to home and gave me insight and connection to the community that made me.

FTR while I love all four restaurants, White House is my go-to, with Milich's a close second. :-)

[John Radosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

My whole life, I have avoided fried chicken. I really don't like it. But I read this book, and now I'm craving some Barberton fried chicken, and I'm upset that I don't have any plans to get to Ohio any time soon.

Ron Koltnow's book is fun to read, and I learned a lot about history and cooking along the way. It's written with love and affection and evokes so many feelings of nostalgia, even though it's a place I've never been. He evokes a place so clearly and happily that you just want to sit down and share some djucece (though I'm not sure if that's considered polite) and get a Dum-Dum lollipop after.

You don't have to be a fan of chicken or of Barberton to enjoy this book. Just to read about someone else's joy is enough. Definitely check it out!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed all of the history packed into this book - of the chicken houses especially, but also of the city of Barberton and of the different styles of fried chicken around the country. Fair warning: even if you’ve never had Barberton fried chicken before, reading this book will make you very hungry! My family always got our chicken dinners to-go from Milich’s and White House. I live out of town now, but I may need to drive up to Barberton soon for dinner!