Making his own mark in the BBQ biz

Gretsch takes famous name to restaurant business, gives back to community

  • Fred Gretsch has branched from his family’s heritage in the musical instrument business and opened G Brand BBQ in Crawford. (Photo/Sarah White)
    Fred Gretsch has branched from his family’s heritage in the musical instrument business and opened G Brand BBQ in Crawford. (Photo/Sarah White)
  • Fred Gretsch holds a Gretsch brand guitar once used by musician Chet Atkins. (Photo/Sarah White)
    Fred Gretsch holds a Gretsch brand guitar once used by musician Chet Atkins. (Photo/Sarah White)
  • This poster, promoting a 1965 Rolling Stones concert at Georgia Southern, is displayed at G Brand BBQ. The poster was contributed by Chuck Brooks, who was a member of the fraternity sponsoring the concert. G Brand is located in the building where Brooks’ father and grandfather operated an automobile dealership. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)
    This poster, promoting a 1965 Rolling Stones concert at Georgia Southern, is displayed at G Brand BBQ. The poster was contributed by Chuck Brooks, who was a member of the fraternity sponsoring the concert. G Brand is located in the building where Brooks’ father and grandfather operated an automobile dealership. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

    A well-known musical instrument company with 138 years of family ownership in its history has ties to a barbecue restaurant in Crawford.

     

    Gretsch Music has manufactured guitars and drums since 188…