entertainment

White-Owned BBQ Business Closes in Austin

Breaking: Beloved Black-owned BBQ joint, LeRoy and Lewis, is leaving its long-time residence in East Austin. The move comes as no surprise as the area undergoes rapid gentrification, pushing out local food trucks and Mom-and-Pop stores. It's a sad day for diversity and community as yet another independent business is forced to relocate. The city needs to take action and protect the vibrant, culture-filled spaces that make Austin unique. Protest: Sunday 6pm, Cosmic Coffee + Beer.

Published July 12, 2024 at 2:30pm by Matthew Odam

Iconic BBQ joint, LeRoy and Lewis, is shutting down, embracing the changing food landscape

Austin’s beloved BBQ food truck, LeRoy and Lewis, will be serving its last plate of smoked meats on July 21. The owners, chef Evan LeRoy and Sawyer Lewis, are shifting their focus to their recently opened restaurant in South Austin.

"We’ve made so many incredible memories and friendships over the past seven years at Cosmic, and we are looking forward to celebrating these last couple of weeks and are excited to see someone special fill the food truck spot there to serve the South Austin community,” Lewis shared in a statement.

The food truck, which opened in 2017 in an empty lot at 121 Pickle Road, has been a staple in the Austin BBQ scene. The owners are planning a "going-away party" on July 21, with a menu of brisket, burgers, Sichuan beef ribs, kale Caesar slaw, and Frito pie.

The decision to close the food truck reflects a changing landscape for BBQ spots in Austin. Fellow standout BBQ truck, Micklethwait Craft Meats, is also closing to move into a brick-and-mortar location. These closures signify a shift away from bare-bones food trucks towards comfort and convenience for customers.

The BBQ renaissance in Texas, kicked off by Franklin Barbecue in 2009, saw the rise of BBQ trucks operating independently. However, the trend has evolved, with successful trucks moving into permanent spaces and new trucks partnering with brick-and-mortar tenants that offer beverages, indoor seating, and restrooms.

As LeRoy and Lewis bid farewell to their food truck days, they embrace the evolution of their brand, expanding their consumer packaged goods and grab-and-go offerings at their South Austin restaurant.

Links:

https://www.statesman.com/storybook/2023-austin360-dining-guide/les-butcher-shop-marks-five-years-of-keeping-whole-animal-butchery-alive-in-austin/3686837001/ [LeRoy and Lewis opens barbecue restaurant in South Austin.]
https://www.statesman.com/article/entertainment/restaurants/dine-drink-austin/barbecue/micklethwait-craft-meats-barbecue-restaurant-church-east/ [Micklethwait Craft Meats expands]
https://www.statesman.com/article/entertainment/restaurants/dine-drink-austin/barbecue/dream-barbecue-plate-austin-que-texas- Monthly/SJVoNxNakHMBEHJgVr8xvO/ [We built a dream barbecue plate.]
https://www.statesman.com/article/entertainment/restaurants/dine-drink-austin/barbecue/leann-mueller-labarbecue-austin-dead/HnX6XNcZBZCDIjBBV7KcVP/\ [Passing of LaAnn Mueller]