Marlowe's honored on Turner South
By Chris Nielsen, Special to Whitehaven Appeal
June 20, 2004

Marlowe's Restaurant, a Whitehaven institution, was recently honored by Turner Television for its barbecue.

"The Blue Ribbon Cafe," a Turner South Television program, chose Marlowe's ribs as the best in the state.

"We are just happy to be considered in this elite class, the nomination was a total surprise," says general manager Missy Coleman.

The Blue Ribbon Cafe used independent research, E-mail polling, and several secret trips to restaurants throughout the state before choosing Marlowe's.

Turner Television plans to air a special episode of "The Blue Ribbon Cafe" this fall that will compare Marlowe's ribs with the best barbecue restaurants in other states in an effort to decide who has the best ribs in the South.

Turner South was in town May 29 and shot the footage they plan on using for the special this fall. In addition to a packed house, several local celebrities dropped by, including Jerry 'The King' Lawler, actor Richard Davis, author Bill Burk and the Sweat Potato Queens in full pageant regalia.

"Hopefully the cameras will pick up the fun atmosphere here" said owner Tony Giggliotti, "we had a ton of fun, and Whitehaven came out and supported us, but we like to think that it is fun here every day, not just when the cameras are rolling."

Giggliotti was a little modest when asked about the competition and recognition of being the best barbecue in the South.

"We try to do the best we can every day. If you work hard at providing great food and great service, and focus on that, the awards and recognition will come," he said. "We don't run this business to win trophies, though - we just try to make customers happy."

Continue–›