(Chelsea Update would like to thank the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce for the information and Randy Lee of RK Studios for the photos in this story.)
Recently, ambassadors and staff from the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce surprised Smokehouse 52 BBQ’s founder and owner Phil Tolliver with the 2018 Large Business Leadership Award.
The award is given each year to a chamber member that has shown leadership in the following areas:
- Displaying innovative ideas and services.
- Contributing to the economic impact of the City of Chelsea.
- Providing services that meet the needs of the Chelsea area community.
- Enhancing the uniqueness of the community image.
- Demonstrating leadership in their business category.
- Supporting the activities of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We are honored to be this year’s Large Business Leadership award recipient,” Toliver said, who added, “We recognize how special the Chelsea community is and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of preserving it. When we started, many questioned opening a BBQ place in Chelsea. But we received a great deal of community support and here we are, six years later. “
Smokehouse 52 BBQ has had a banner year.
Phil and Jenn Tolliver opened Smokehouse 52 BBQ in downtown Chelsea in February of 2013. A second location in Saline, MI, was opened on April 9, 2018. Michigan Best ranked them #7 on their Michigan’s Best BBQ list. And they were named to MLive’s “25 places to eat in Michigan in 2019: Where we’re going back” list.
Smokehouse 52 BBQ has helped sponsor and coordinate the Smoke & Ale Fall Festival, which has become a KBS sanctioned BBQ competition and the 4th largest competition in the Great Lakes area.
The company also supports Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights.
Denise Cugliari, of Chelsea Area Festivals & Events said “Smokehouse 52 BBQ has not only been a great financial supporter of our events, but the piggy parfait has become a staple of Thursday summer nights in Chelsea. And Phil doesn’t just contribute money, he has been an active volunteer and committee member. He really does put his time, energy, money and passion to work for this community!”
Lynae Maclellan, owner of Devil’s Haircut submitted the nomination for Smokehouse 52 BBQ and she said “Phil is dedicated to making Chelsea a destination. His commitment to this community and his employees is inspiring.”
The formal presentation of the 2018 Large Business Leadership award will be held on Thursday, Feb.21, during the Annual Membership Meeting of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce at the Chelsea Comfort Inn and Village Conference Center.
In addition, the company will have a place of honor in the 2019 Chelsea Fair Parade.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ambassador Club, I congratulate you and your staff for receiving the 2018 Large Business Leadership Award,” said Monica Monsma, executive director of the chamber.
