Major Barbecue Comeback
Houston's best city barbecue is set to rise again after sudden shuttering: Landlord drama just a speed bump
The best barbecue restaurant inside the Loop has closed, but don't panic — it won't be gone for long. Gatlin's BBQ revealed on its website that it closed its location on 19th Street earlier this month.
"Due to the real estate development along the 19th Street corridor, Gatlin’s BBQ will temporarily move to a mobile service unit at 1717 W. 22nd Street starting the second week of March," the message adds. Owner Greg Gatlin tells the Chronicle that he had hoped to extend his lease through the end of March, but the landlord wants to get started on construction right away.
Until the already under construction new, larger Gatlin's is ready at the corner of Ella and 34th Street, he's secured a food truck for the mobile service. Work continues on the space, which is targeted for a May opening. The Gatlin's website and Facebook page will provide updates on the start of trailer service.
Meanwhile Jackson Street Barbecue, Gatlin's downtown venture with Reef parterns Bill Floyd and Bryan Caswell, looks to be on track to open by the start of baseball season. Eater notes that the former Houston Live building now sports a bright red paint job that matches the colors of St. Thomas High School, which is Gatlin and Caswell's shared alma mater.