Our Story

Founding Alabama Que

Founding Alabama Que
Dwan Ward, a native of Bellamy, Alabama, founded Alabama Que in 2008. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy as a shipboard firefighter and served in the Persian Gulf War. Following his honorable discharge, Ward studied Fire Science at Solano Community College in California, where he also played football.

His talent on the field attracted major Division 1 schools, leading him to choose the University of Cincinnati for its Fire & Safety Engineering Program. In 1995, Ward arrived in Cincinnati on a football scholarship. During his senior year in 1997, UC’s football team ended a 47-year bowl drought with a win at the Humanitarian Bowl.

From Firefighting to Catering

From Firefighting to Catering
After earning his degree in 1998, Ward began his firefighting career with the Middletown Division of Fire in Ohio. His cooking quickly became a hit among fellow firefighters and their families, leading him to start a part-time catering business in 2002.

Growth and Transition to Full-Time

Growth and Transition to Full-Time
In 2008, Ward opened Alabama Que on Cincinnati’s West Side, initially operating only on weekends while balancing his full-time firefighting job and catering business. By 2010, he transitioned to running the restaurant full-time, initially expanding the menu to include fried food before focusing solely on BBQ.

Health-Conscious BBQ and Media Attention

Health-Conscious BBQ and Media Attention
In May 2012, Alabama Que moved to Short Vine and gained recognition for its health-conscious BBQ, offering pork-free sides like smoked turkey greens and vegetarian baked beans. The restaurant was featured in the Cincinnati Enquirer and made its first TV appearance on Thanksgiving 2012.

Expanding the Reach

Expanding the Reach
In May 2014, Ward launched a food truck to keep up with growing demand across the Cincinnati area. Today, Alabama Que is a popular spot for local celebrities and professional athletes. #TurkeyTipsOnDeck #TTOD