With her bright eyes and a plastered-on smile, Debra Ivory – the owner and operator of George’s Happy Hog Bar-B-Q – always made anyone and everyone feel like they belonged there, that there’s a plate with their name on it and there’s always room for sweet potato pie and an extra glass of tea.
Sadly, Ivory passed on from Covid-19 this week, her beloved restaurant closed as the family and friends remember the woman who ran the Happy Hog quite fondly.
“Debbie’s is a third generation of George’s,” Buckner said.
An entrepreneur, Ivory took over the George’s name about 12 years ago, opening Happy Hog Barbeque.
“She said, ‘I’m going to make cakes and pads, I said, ‘OK, what else?’ She says, ‘I’m going to make potato salad, we’re going to peel potatoes and we’re going to make it like mom used to,’” Buckner said.
Good food along with Ivory’s infectious smile and personality made this Black-owned restaurant a success.
I reviewed her place the first time I ever went there with my gal-pal Jodie, instantly falling in love with the likable food and, of course, the lovable staff. It was always a place that, when friends and strangers alike wanted some of the best barbeque in Oklahoma City, I always took them there and loaded up their plates, no questions asked.
And while George’s might be closed for now, it’ll open back up soon. When it does, stop in and pay your respects by loading up on a Happy Hog Rib Dinner, a Bold Brisket Dinner or, heck, a 3 Meat Combo Dinner like I will, tipping your cup to pay respect to the woman who owned one of the best-damned barbeque restaurants in Oklahoma City.
If you have any remembrances, please post them below.
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Oh this is awful news! Mrs Ivory and her restaurant were amazing. It’s by far my favorite BBQ place in Oklahoma and she was also a customer as I sold ricks of wood to her for their smoke house. I’m gonna miss her for sure. Wear your damn masks people!
This is one of the few BBQ restaurants that I have not tried yet, but Louis gave a glowing review of Clark Crew, and that was spot on. In this woman’s honor (and because COVID fucking sucks), me and my foodie friend shall eat here when they open back up. R.I.P.
I question the appropriateness, under the circumstances, of referring to her “infectious smile and personality.”
Sad to read about the passing of Ms. Ivory — I started going to the Happy Hog a few years ago with my friend Johnny Farmer (who also just recently passed away) and it has definitely been one of my favorites, not only because of the delicious food but because of her sweet smile and the kindness of the entire staff behind the counter! Rest In Peace.
I wonder why koco felt the need to identify it as a “black-owned” restaurant but when mr Le passed they didn’t call Jimmy’s egg an oriental-owned restaurant?
It might have been because of the sign she had in the window.
I was sadden by the news of Ms. Ivory’s passing. You were always greeted by her warm smile and a little friendly conversation. Boy am I going to miss her. RIP Ms. Ivory, a lady who was loved by many 💔 😢
I always enjoyed eating their pleasant environment I referred all my family and friends there I never left their in disappointment from her greetings to the food I loved it all my Condolences to the Family⚘🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼♥️
Ms. Debra, me and my husband will surely miss you and the smile you always had on your face when he comes in to get our food. Although I sit in the car because of my mobility you always ask about me and how I was doing. You were a true genuine person and you treated everyone like you known them for years and I loved that about you. Ms. Debra we are all going to miss you and that sweet smile of yours, but father God has another plan for you. My condolences to the family of Ms. Debra because she was truly love by so many and we will miss her.
Debra was a gracious woman with an amazingly kind soul. Having been a regular at George’s for many years, I have become friends with Debra. She worked so hard, together with the rest of the restaurant crew. You will be missed so much, but never forgotten.
Rest in peace Debra. The lord needs.you now. Enjoy being at home with the angels. Sincerely Mandy from mcloud ok.
My Condolences goes to Ms Ivory and family l loved her with that winning smile and kind acts of having my food ready. l will miss her but l will continue to stop in to have plenty more Dinners if Gods will.. lts been a pleasure n a blessing to met her and gone but never to be forgotten. Much ❤️❤️❤️🙏🕊🕊🕊🙏Peace, Mischelle McDonald
I went to George’s Happy Hog today (Tuesday) for wings. The store was closed. I did a search and found this posting. I am very VERY sad. I have been a sometimes customer from back in the George days (20 years? or so?). My wife, who is gone August this year, really likes wings. And I owuld go and get a week supply of wings at lewast once a month. Within the last year, I didn’t make it there on Tuesday. I called on Wednesday and ordered wings for pickup in the afternoon. When I got there, no wings. Someone else with same name got the last order. It’s a 30 minutes drive to HH so I was VERY unhappy! Debra offered a whole chicken to make up for it. I cussed her out (no bad language used). She understood. And ever since, she seemed surprised and delighted that I returned time and time again. RIP Debra!