Bill Spoon’s BBQ closes for good during COVID-19, ‘despite every attempt to hang on’
After nearly six decades in Charlotte, the iconic Bill Spoon’s BBQ, with lines that once “wrapped around the building,” is permanently closing Wednesday.
“With a heavy heart, we must close our doors,” the business said on Facebook. “Despite every attempt to hang on as long as we could, we simply aren’t able to any longer.
“As hard of a decision this was to make, I know it’s what my grandfather would want me to do.”
Bill and Marie Spoon opened the restaurant 57 years ago on South Boulevard, then called Pineville Road, grandson Steve Spoon Jr. said on the post. The restaurant is known for its Eastern North Carolina barbecue that is vinegar based.
“If you’ve been a customer over the years, you remember the lines that wrapped around the building. Those lines have diminished as time has passed, and each year has become substantially harder to keep our doors open,” Spoon said.
The novel coronavirus pandemic has “truly been detrimental to small businesses like us that were already barely making ends meet. “
Under current Phase 2.5 statewide restrictions of 50% capacity, the barbecue joint is serving curbside only.
“We thank you for being a part of our lives, for enjoying BBQ as much as we have, and for all of the many memories we have made along the way,” Spoon said.
Spoon was not immediately available for comment on Monday.
‘A huge loss’
The restaurant received an outpouring of support on Facebook, including:
“It’s definitely a huge loss for Charlotte and I know how missed Spoon’s BBQ will be in the community. Sending extra hugs to you all,” one person said.
“So very sad to hear this! Bill Spoons has been a part of our family for over 20 years. My daughter was born 17 years ago and your restaurant was her first ‘outing’ as I was craving your BBQ!,” another wrote.
“I may live in Durham now but we’re sure going to miss yall. You were the unquestioned best BBQ in Charlotte in my eyes,” a third person said.
Spoons replied back:
“All of your words mean the world to us. The tears we’ve cried could fill a river. We hung in there as long as we could, and then some... and then even longer. ... We will truly miss this place - it’s what we know. This building and restaurant hold so much of us, serving Charlotte. Thank you for the memories. Sending love to all of you.”
This is a developing story
This story was originally published September 14, 2020 at 2:36 PM with the headline "Bill Spoon’s BBQ closes for good during COVID-19, ‘despite every attempt to hang on’."