Marlo’s celebrates good food and good eats

By Courtney Warren

The backyard barbecue experience is what Marlo Anderson hopes customers find when they dine at Marlo’s Backyard BBQ.

Marlo’s recently held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the reopening of their dining room after remodeling.

“It was a whole lot of hard work and prayers that went into opening our dining room again. I told my wife it was time to remodel, because Canton is flourishing. Amazon and new businesses are coming, so we felt like we needed a new look; and God blessed us to do it.”

“People supported us through COVID. I thank God for all of my customers. Even though we haven’t been able to dine in, we haven’t missed a beat,” said Anderson.

Canton Tourism hosted the ribbon cutting, and Canton Tourism Director Jana Dear said, “When COVID happened and everyone shut down, Marlo did not. He did a drive-thru. And if you needed a meal, he gave you one and didn’t let anyone go hungry.”

“Tourism is funded off of hotel and restaurant sales tax. Anything you see going on is because you ate in one of our restaurants or stayed in one of our hotels. Our restaurants are our people and our family. To be here and stand here in front of this newly renovated place - it shows what God can do in a community where He is worshipped and appreciated,” she added.
Surrounding Marlo during the ribbon cutting were his family, friends, and city officials.

Alderman Fred Esco said, “on behalf of the mayor, the Canton Board of Aldermen and Ward 2, I’m excited to welcome the reopening of this business. I remember when he started out barbecuing on the corner of Walnut Street, and he did well. You remind me of the Jeffersons, you’re moving on up. We want to ask God to continue to bless your business for years and years to come for you and your family.”

Marlo’s began as a small business where Anderson learned to cook from his grandmothers. Portraits of those two very influential women sat on the table in front of Marlo’s during the event and have a permanent place in the restaurant. Another framed photo is that of the late Joe McKay, who dedicated his life to seeing Canton prosper.

“People don’t have to be your blood family to be family. The McKay family in general…I’m so blessed with them. They’re the best landlords anyone could have,” said Anderson through tears.
“My family keeps me motivated. Family first. I’ve got people I don’t want to let down, and I know the city of Canton needs this. I want customers to have a backyard family experience. When you think of a backyard barbecue, you think of a joyous time with family and friends; so I want people to come and say ‘the food was good and the hospitality was good and I’ll be back again,’” said Anderson.

Marlo’s Backyard BBQ is located 910 E. Peace Street.