A local legend, restauranteur, philanthropist and yes, midwife, Harry Wright of Harry’s Bar-B-Que in Land O’ Lakes is known far and wide in these parts. In Harry’s own comedic words, “Some say I’m an institution. Others say I should be institutionalized!” With humble beginnings, Harry’s Bar-B-Que in Land O’ Lakes was founded in 1985 with determination and a lot of very hard work. The landmark restaurant has survived setbacks in the economy and even near death by D.O.T. bulldozers and still thrives today. Undoubtedly, the reason the establishment is still so successful is attributable to its fearless, determined, generous and charismatic namesake, Harry Wright.
In a bit of ironic foreshadowing, in 1981 when he married his beloved wife Sherry in Arcadia, Harry cooked ribs, chicken and pork for the 150 guests at his own backyard wedding. He never dreamed that in a few short years, he would move to Land O’ Lakes and become a BBQ legend.
Harry explained how his path led him into the BBQ world. “In 1984, I was working at the highest volume tire store in Tampa (and probably the world) and in 1985 I was promoted to manager. I was searching for a great BBQ pork sandwich to feed my staff so I went to the place that everyone told me was the ‘best BBQ in Tampa.’ What I received there was a fatty, very gristly, sandwich with a “ho-hum” sauce. I was not happy at all and went back to tell the owner. He told me that I didn’t know anything about Bar-B-Que and told me to get out! This was not my only unhappy occurrence that day. My employer told me when I got back to the tire shop that he was not going to pay me the $11,000 bonus that he owed me. I only saw one choice. I gave my two week notice and told my wife that I was going to open a BBQ restaurant.” Sherry replied, “Are you crazy? We don’t have any money and you’ve never worked in a restaurant!” Harry said, “I can at least do as good as the so called ‘best’ and I think I can do it even better!” 26 days later, in beautiful downtown Land O’ Lakes, Hungry Harry’s Bar-B-Que was born. That isn’t the midwifery story, but we’ll get to that later.
Back in the day, Harry’s Bar-B-Que used to seat 130. This was when the dining room used to be where what is now the middle of Highway 41. Years ago, the D.O.T. was granted permission to bulldoze Harry’s building to widen the two-lane highway. “I fought them tooth and nail and because our building was built in 1923, I threatened them with filing historical status to protect it.” Harry continued, “They knew it may not be granted, but it would delay the road expansion for a long time. At that time, I had more lawyers than employees! Eventually they made concessions and we were able to keep part of the building and survive. Back then, this area was known as ‘No Man’s Land’ and no one would drive out here. People would come down Highway 41 to Highway 54 and go no further.”
Harry said, “In the first 25 years, we gave away over 250,000 meals to people in need. People have asked me why? I tell them, because I wanted to.” Harry’s charity extends from our own backyard throughout Florida. Harry said, “The largest group we’ve ever served at one time was on Thanksgiving Day 1992, in Homestead during the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. We fed 8,650 hungry people that day – for free. We arrived on Day #6 after the storm and eventually made four trips down there, serving over 50,000 people in that community. The residents desperately needed help, so we did what we could.”
Harry’s son-in-law, Chad Hudson, has taken over running the business. Chad was USF Football Coach Jim Leavitt’s assistant and currently also serves as Assistant Football Coach at Land O’ Lakes High School. With many years of previous experience managing bars, Harry wooed Chad into the family BBQ business where he has been Harry’s invaluable right hand man for over 15 years. He knows the business inside and out. Chad and Harry’s daughter, Stacey, have seven children and are renowned bow hunters.
In the 35 years that they have been open, all of Harry’s kids and grandkids have all worked in the restaurants. “I’ve taught them to have a strong character and work ethic, and how to provide great service. I think I’m more tactful these days. I’ve certainly had my bouts of not being that way in the past. It’s been an adventure littered with adversity.
I used to curse and threaten to beat people up at county commission meetings, and my wife did not approve,” he laughed.
With his 6 kids, 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Harry stays busy with his growing brood. He said his grandkids hate going to the store with him because he runs into old and new customers, and might end up being there talking for three hours. His granddaughter told him, “Papa we should have just stayed in the car!” Harry noted, “Land O’ Lakes has been a really great place to work, live and to raise our family. I’m very satisfied.” And don’t worry, just because Harry is handing off the reins to his son-in-law, doesn’t mean he’s slowing down one bit. In fact, he told us that he’s ready to focus on a few more athletic pursuits. Harry said, “I turned 69 a couple of weeks ago and I’ve been playing in an over-65 softball league for a few years. Now I’m starting on the over-70 softball team!”
Harry has planned a new way that he plans to continue his lifelong charitable legacy. Monthly, the restaurant will begin hosting a special event at the Land O’ Lakes location called, ‘Stories with Hungry Harry.’ The restaurant will put out a spread for 60-70 guests who will purchase dinner and dine on the lakefront under the stars while Harry the storyteller, regales the crowd with his best tales. The proceeds will be donated to the charity chosen for that night. If you may be interested in hosting a charity event for your organization, contact Chad at the restaurant.
Last but not least, let’s talk about Harry’s infamous midwife duties. About a half dozen years before water birth was a ‘thing’, Sherry delivered a few of their children under water, in a hot tub, in their kitchen, at home. Harry served as Sherry’s midwife each time. In true form, once Mom and baby were settled, Harry showered and went back to work at the restaurant.
A Legend indeed.
Hungry Harry’s Bar-B-Que
Locations in Land O’ Lakes & Seffner
(813) 949-2025
