The Tulsa World recounts the fascinating story of Amos Adetula (subscription required). In short, Adetula, a former Oklahoma State University student, was in the United States when his parents in his native Nigeria were killed in a car wreck. He decided to try to make it in America instead of returning to his homeland. Through sheer hard work, he established a successful electrical contracting business and has U.S. citizenship.
Two years ago, he was persuaded by Wilson's BBQ's dying owner to buy the restaurant. Wilson's BBQ has been a landmark in north Tulsa for decades, and Adetula has overseen several improvements to it since. Wilson's BBQ was recently featured on the Roadfood.com site.
Here's the item of interest for Route 66 fans from the World article:
Adetula just bought a property at 3616 E. 11th St., where he plans to open a second restaurant to be called Wilson's MidTown.
He picked the spot for its high-traffic location on Old Route 66, a road that generally divides the city down the middle.
Adetula hopes his efforts might be a signal to others in Tulsa that blighted businesses and shrivelled dreams are more of a state of mind in a boundless reality.
"We as black people need to take responsibility for our community," he said. "I'm here because I love north Tulsa. It's hard work, but that's all right."
Wilson's BBQ has a slogan: "U Need No Teeth to Eat Our Beef." I concur. I also advocate buying the miniature sweet-potato pies.
Wilson's MidTown should be a great addition to Tulsa's Route 66 corridor.
No offence, but I have been to Wilson’s BBQ, and I liked better when JB was running it.
JB ran wilsons bbq way better than Amos ever can from what i have seen at wilsons bbq