How Much Rib Would a Woody’s BBQ?

Woody’s Bodacious Barbecue (5112 Hollister Ave., Magnolia Shopping Ctr., [805] 967-3775, woodysbbq.com) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month, claiming it has dished out six million pounds of ribs since 1982. For comparison’s sake, the Space Shuttle tipped the scales at 4.5 million pounds. Then to think counting merely the ribs leaves out all the tri-tip in the Bullwhackers and chicken in the Mother Cluckers … suffice it to say, Woody’s feeds the world.

What’s the secret of success?

Gino and Kim Stabile have owned Woody’s since 2005 and operated it for eight years as managers prior to that. “We feel that we will make it as long as our predecessor by sticking to the Woody’s way and hard work,” said Kim. “Making it through these trying times is a testament to hard work and loyal customers.”

How do they win our Best of S.B. poll every year?

“Great-tasting, hearty portions of food at prices that are fair to both operator and customers,” advised Kim. “You can spend $10 or $20 bucks and either way leave full and satisfied. Then there is the commitment to our basic menu and not changing it with passing trends in the industry. Restaurants come and go in Santa Barbara as quickly as our sundowner winds, and only very few stand the test of time.”

How are they celebrating the milestone?

By rolling back prices to 1982, when Reagan was president and Johnny Carson hosted the Academy Awards at which Chariots of Fire took home the Best Picture Oscar. Times were simpler then. Each night a different item gets the discount, so this Thursday, April 26, is a smoked turkey sandwich for $4.25, Friday is a surprise, Saturday is chicken/beef rib combo for $5.95, Sunday is half-slab baby-back ribs for $6.45, and on Monday, the Bullwhacker tri-tip sandwich is $5.50 (that’s $3.45 off!).