Donald W.Callender

An American Original

Donald W. Callender (Sept. 27, 1927 – Jan.7, 2009) was the heart and soul of Babe's Bar-B-Que Grill & Brewhouse. Many think of Don as the man who made Marie Callender’s a house hold name but, he had never slowed down as an innovator in our industry. There’s not a restaurant in the United States that is not somehow implementing or influenced by one of Don’s ideas.

Don had been working on a Bar-B-Que and Brewery concept for many years before Babe’s ever opened its doors. His passion for bar-b-que and comfort food was pure and simple, Make quality food consistently, day in and day out. You could find him in the kitchen every day overseeing the quality of the Ribs, Chicken, Tamales and Pies. There was never a time that he was not passionately obsessed with the food quality at Babe’s. If he had questions he would go straight to the source, talking to food manufactures, meat purveyors and growers. If product did not meet his standards it was not served, it was that simple.

To many, like me, he will be remembered as a man who was tough as iron and was always in charge. Having been on Don’s team since 1992, his passion for quality and consistency has been in my hands for some time now. He left such a mark on me that everything I do in the kitchen is still to his standards.  I often say things, and then catch myself thinking, “That’s something Don would have said”. I would do anything to hear him say again, “Well, Everything looks good here, you don’t need me around, See ya tomorrow BUB!”  Yes, his spirit is alive and strong and we miss him. We still talk about him often and wish he could share in some of the restaurants accolades. As Babe's Bar-B-Que is Don’s last restaurant endeavor that he actually operated we will continue to keep his legacy alive. We dedicate this page to our mentor although he would never approve of a web-site.

Arthur L. Vasquez

Chef, Brewer, Manager and Better Person! (Because of you!)

March 30, 2010