14/04/2023
(OKC)
Creator:
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BOBO’S CHICKEN NE. OKC:
Bobo’s is a MUST TRY if you are in the E. OKC area, on a late friday (or saturday) night. Located off 23rd and Fonshill Ave, Bobos is 100% sure to exceed your expectations
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Bobo’s is named after its founder, Ozell “Bobo” Pope-Powell. Born in Preston, Oklahoma in 1937, Powell spent most of his early childhood in Beggs, before relocating to California in his early adulthood. Antonio Pope, Powell’s son, told the Oklahoma Gazette that cooking was his dad’s second career, and that “his first love was building”. Mr. Powell’s skill in building, would be the catalyst in the creation of the chicken we know, and love today.
After spending time in the Sierra Mountains, and even appearing in a documentary that’s called “The City That Waits To Die”, Powell (AKA Bobo) was unfortunately involved in a motorcycle wreck, bringing his riding days to a devastating and sudden halt. After his motorcycle accident in 1966, Powell went on to discover other hobbies, and the one he enjoyed the most happened to be cooking. He used his love for cooking and building to build his first brick oven in Quincy, California.
Powell’s son, Antonio tells Oklahoma Gazette that his father’s meticulous process, and use of stainless steal didn’t only pass health inspections, it also influenced health inspectors. Powell’s cleverness and scientific expertise is what made him so terrific at building smokers, among amazing other things.
BUT Powell’s chicken, catfish & shrimp aren’t the only thing that kept his customers coming back for more, it was also Powell’s big heart and magnetic personality that would bring in reoccurring customers. Powell would actually go out into the line & offer free wings just for waiting. Powell was also known to hop off the truck and chat with people who loved his food, even if it meant stopping what he’s doing mid-rush!
Powell passed away in April of 2009. Powell was a legend, a father, a committed businessman, and an all around community servant that worked to improve the lives of those around him. Bobby Pope says the legacy was taken over by Powell’s business partner.
Next time you’re in the mood for a late night bite, give Bobo’s Chicken a try! And if you can’t make it to Bobo’s, just take a look at the stainless steel interior of your favorite food truck, and think of how relentlessly Powell worked ensuring everyone, from generation to generation, could enjoy great cooking from extremely innovated pieces of machinery. 🚛