This Is It! The Miracle of BBQ (2023)

1h 40m / Not Rated / Documentary

FREE COMMUNITY SCREENING – RSVP Required 

This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q has been an integral part of the fabric of the Atlanta community for four decades. The unique establishment of faith, family, favor and flavor is the home of the joyous chant, “it’s the rib tips!” which has become a staple for the restaurant.

Shelley “Butch” Anthony III, Tampa native and the founder and owner of This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q, tells his 40-year history with the documentary This Is It: The Miracle of BBQ, produced and directed by Tammy Williams. The Miracle of BBQ fuses the current-day success and expansion of the restaurant to over ten stores with the four-decade history of the family-owned enterprise, including the diner his parents owned in Tampa where Anthony picked up both his entrepreneurial spirit and his fantastic ability to cook. It explores the obstacles and struggles of entrepreneurship, revealing how Anthony, through his faith in God, defied the odds — overcoming the struggles of addiction and having a limited education, ultimately creating a rich legacy.

Guests are invited to purchase a copy of Shelley “Butch” Anthony III’s book, God Has a Plan for the Underdog, in the lobby before the show and stick around after the film for post-show remarks from Butch himself!

The Black Love Classic Movie Series is presented by TECO in collaboration with the City of Tampa’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Department. Additional support is provided by Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and University of Tampa First-Year Studies. Promotional support is provided by WEDU-PBS.