Barbecue is more than a meal in America. It's a passion. From brisket to ribs, sausage to pulled pork, fans love to argue about the best style. Should it come sauced? Dry-rubbed with sauce on the side? The answers vary by region and restaurant, but the obsession is the same.
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This enthusiasm has led to booming demand. Popular spots often draw early morning lines, with regulars hoping to beat the lunchtime sellouts. But with growth comes competition, and not every restaurant can survive the heat.
When too many barbecue spots open in the same area, everyone can lose. Towns that could support one good BBQ joint often struggle to sustain two. As choices multiply, restaurants offering only average fare find it harder to keep customers.
The decline of Smokey Bones shows this clearly. Earlier this year, the national barbecue chain closed nine locations. Its parent company plans to convert half of the remaining restaurants into Twin Peaks, a "breastaurant" sports bar known more for revealing uniforms than smoked meats.
It turns out many diners would rather have burgers and beers from scantily clad waitstaff than middle-of-the-road barbecue.
BBQ Restaurant Not Alone in Struggle
Even beloved local chains are not safe. Armadillo Willy's, a Bay Area fixture for over 40 years, has closed all but one of its locations.
Founded in Cupertino in 1983, the chain began with four friends inspired by a road trip through Texas. They set out to bring authentic, wood-fired barbecue to California. Over time, one restaurant became a small, loyal chain serving up Texas-style BBQ across Silicon Valley.
On June 18, Armadillo Willy's posted a note on Facebook announcing the closures of its Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and Blossom Hill (San Jose) locations.
"We are sad to say that our locations... permanently closed last night," the message read. "After 40+ unforgettable years of serving up BBQ and building a community, it's time to say goodbye."
The company thanked its staff and customers for their decades of support, calling the business "family."
Final Flame Still Burns
One location remains -- the San Mateo, California, outpost. The company urged longtime fans to visit if they're still craving its signature smoke and sauce.
"We may not be in your neighborhood anymore, but we still have one location... We hope to see you soon."
In a crowded and competitive landscape, only exceptional barbecue thrives. Even then, passion and tradition sometimes aren't enough.
