Heartbroken Community Reacts as Sam’s BBQ in East Austin Suddenly Closes After 68 Years
AUSTIN, TX — A Texas Barbecue Staple Shuts Its Doors
An iconic Black-owned barbecue joint in East Austin has left the community stunned. Sam’s BBQ, a family-run business serving smoked meats since 1957, has announced it is “closed until further notice.” The message, shared on social media alongside the neighboring Austin Daiquiri Factory, described the team as “heartbroken” and working behind the scenes to reopen.
A Legacy Rooted in Family and Tradition
Sam’s BBQ was founded nearly seven decades ago by the Mays family and has been operated for almost 50 years by Brian Mays, who took over from his father. Known for its tender brisket, ribs, sausage, and old-school Texas hospitality, Sam’s BBQ has been a mainstay of East Austin’s historically Black and Hispanic community, standing resilient through decades of gentrification pressures.
Developers have reportedly offered Mays millions for the property over the past decade, but he repeatedly refused to sell, determined to keep the family tradition alive. The site became not just a restaurant, but a cultural landmark where food and community intertwined.
A Sudden and Emotional Closure
While the exact reason for the closure remains unclear, the Austin Daiquiri Factory — operated by one of Mays’ daughters next door — mentioned that both businesses had recently closed for a “revamp” and power upgrade. Their social media promised a return with “good vibes (and BBQ…and daiquiris) flowing stronger than ever.” Still, the abrupt closure announcement from Sam’s BBQ leaves loyal customers anxious and saddened.
Author’s POV
Walking into Sam’s BBQ always felt like stepping back into a piece of Austin’s soul. The smoky aroma, the no-frills counter, and the energy of Brian Mays greeting customers embodied what Texas barbecue is all about. Losing Sam’s, even temporarily, feels like a reminder of how fragile our culinary landmarks can be — especially those tied so deeply to history and identity. If it does reopen, it won’t just be about barbecue, but about preserving a cultural heartbeat in a city that’s changing fast.
What’s Next for East Austin
For now, the fate of Sam’s BBQ remains uncertain. Whether this closure is temporary or permanent, its absence highlights the vulnerability of legacy Black-owned businesses in gentrified neighborhoods. Community members are voicing support and sharing memories online, hopeful for the day the “closed” sign flips back to “open.”
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