The Akron RubberDucks will rebrand to the Barberton Fried Chicken and Hot Rice for one-night only on Friday, June 21 as part of the Only in Akron series.
In 1933, Serbian immigrants Mike and Smilka Topalsky began selling their distinctive fried chicken and hot rice, a rice and tomato sauce side dish seasoned with hot peppers, out of their farmhouse restaurant. The dish became a hit in Ohio and has spread throughout the world, winning multiple awards and appearing on Food Network and PBS shows. Over 90 years later, the restaurant, Belgrade Gardens, is still family owned and operated and serves the world-famous Barberton Fried Chicken and Hot Rice.