Local pastor buys Golden Rule Bar-B-Q chain

Santa Rosa Beach pastor Jeff Miller can now add barbecue to his list of holdings.

It was announced last week that Miller had purchased the Alabama-based Golden Rule Bar-B-Q chain of restaurants. This includes the Golden Rule name, 17 franchises and a soon-to-be 18th. Miller said he will only operate the one located in Pell City, Ala.

Under the deal, Golden Rule CEO Charles Matsos will stay on as a consultant for two years. He and his father, Michael, will be franchise owners of four Golden Rule locations, including the original Irondale restaurant that dates to 1981.

The Matsos family, which had owned the chain for nearly four decades, retains ownership of Golden Rule restaurants in Irondale, Calera, Sylacauga and Madison.

Miller said the restaurants are a unique chain in terms of history and the name is tremendously respected. He anticipates expanding further the Golden Rule chain.

“It’s a well-kept secret outside of Alabama. How we manage the company and treat customers is reflected in the name. I want to maintain that concept as a business philosophy,” he said.

Miller is from Knoxville, Tenn. He controls a family business that consists of 144 Lee’s and 110 Mrs. Winner’s chicken restaurants in 16 states.

His new acquisitions will not hinder his pastoring duties at his South Walton church, The Chapel at Crosspoint, he said. The Pell City location will be managed by his daughter and son-in-law.

“I’m an ordained minister and you can’t go wrong with a company named Golden Rule,” he said. “And besides, I am a big fan of barbecue.”