BUCYRUS, OHIO (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—While the official tenth anniversary was last week, this weekend, Old 30 BBQ will host a special event to commemorate the occasion.
On Saturday, the “Together We Ride for Rescue” event will take place in partnership with the Humane Society, with all proceeds benefiting the organization.
“I wanted to put something together to celebrate our 10-year anniversary here at Old 30 BBQ, and it kind of fell into place when I met with the Crawford County Humane Society about finding a date to have their benefit ride,” part-owner Austin Smith said. “I knew I wanted to do something that involved the community for our anniversary event, so it worked out perfectly.”
Smith scheduled the event to coincide with one of Old 30 BBQ’s biggest musical acts of the year, The Together Band, tying the title “Together We Ride for Rescue” to the occasion. The band will perform from 6–10 p.m.
For the motorcycle ride portion, registration begins at 1 p.m., with kickstands up at 2:30 p.m. The final stop will feature a free BBQ buffet for riders at Old 30 BBQ. The cost is $25 per rider.
The public is invited to attend throughout the day; only the BBQ buffet is reserved for riders.
During the afternoon, the Humane Society will host lawn activities in the grassy area between the patio and the stage. Visitors can expect a 50/50 drawing, adoptable cats and dogs, and other family-friendly attractions.
“We really just want to bring the community together, help out a good cause, and celebrate ten years of business with one of the best bands in Ohio,” Smith said.
Reflecting on the restaurant’s ten-year journey, Smith, who is the operating owner of Old 30, thanked his partners, Breck Baker and Connie Smith, for always believing in him and the concept; his staff for grinding through long weeks; and Tyler Haldeman, who played an integral role in the restaurant’s opening. Smith noted that Haldeman was part of the management team when Old 30’s doors first opened and that his contributions were a big part of their early success. He also expressed gratitude to the community for its unwavering support.
“We really didn’t know what to expect when opening a BBQ restaurant in the middle of Ohio, but the support from the community has been incredible,” Smith began. “The ten years have flown by, and in that time, I’ve had the opportunity to employ around 50 people each year; many of them have been with us for 5–10 years and are now truly the backbone of Old 30.”
One of the more memorable things Smith has experienced is receiving applications from people who say they grew up coming to the restaurant.
“It is humbling to realize we’ve been around long enough to be part of those childhood memories,” Smith said.
Looking ahead, Smith said they’d love to continue expanding their catering services.
“The restaurant will stay just as it is, but it’s been really meaningful to take our food on the road and be part of weddings and special events,” Smith said. “It’s an honor when people choose Old 30 for those big moments in their lives, and we look forward to being able to do more of that.”
As the day winds down and the music fades, Old 30 BBQ’s tenth anniversary celebration will stand as more than just a milestone—it will be a reflection of the restaurant’s deep roots in the community, its commitment to giving back, and the shared memories that continue to grow with each plate served. With the support of loyal patrons, dedicated staff, and local partners like the Humane Society, Smith and his team look ahead with gratitude and excitement for what the next ten years may bring.