Chef/owner Daniel Wright posted to Facebook that Pontiac BBQ would be ceasing to exist after this weekend due to the time-intensive nature of making good-ass brisket and other barbecue.
“Being a full service functioning BBQ restaurant in this new economy sucks. From beef brisket & short ribs to pork ribs, everything just costs more and with most quality Barbecue joints you’ve gotta smoke it all the night before with little knowledge of what the next day will be like,” he wrote. “We’ve been fortunate to do this as long as we have and we’re grateful to all of our guests and our loyalists, but we’re hanging up our hat, we’re throwing in the towel.”
Pontiac fans will still have this weekend — Friday, Saturday and Sunday — to grab their favorite menu items before the restaurant closes to convert into a new concept.
“We’re gonna be closing down for a few days next week to update a few things and roll out something different we think you’ll love,” reads the Facebook post.
The post says not to be sad, because they aren’t and they’re ready to tackle something new, but fans left more than a few comments to lament the loss. Just a sampling below:
A user named Jostradamus Campbell said: “Ohhhh No!! Y’all Texas Brisket sandwich, the Dino bone, cheddar grits. All that, the best I’ve had! Much love!”
Jay Spencer said: “Man this sucks. I love your food and your bartenders are great.”
Jamie Vishnauski Ansley said: “Yeah, I’m going to need a few frito pies this weekend.”
Kristina Hastings Groth said: “Sorry to hear but know your next idea will be great! I loved the pimento cheese there, Dan! Maybe keep for Senate?”
Julie Brock said: “Hopefully those wings will be a holdover to the new menu/venue!”
If you have a gift card to Pontiac, it can be used at any of Wright’s restaurants — Senate, Abigail Street, Holiday Spirits/Forty Thieves — and this forthcoming concept.
This article appears in The Summer Guide.