The iconic Dinosaur Bar-B-Que has closed its Brooklyn location, leaving the BBQ chain to just 5 locations. After 15 years, the restaurant, beloved for its American-style barbecue, has shuttered its doors, marking the end of a neighborhood staple.
The End of an Era
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que's Brooklyn location, situated in Gowanus, was a cornerstone of the community. The restaurant, known for its inviting outdoor seating with wooden picnic tables and benches, attracted both locals and visitors alike. The closure comes as a blow to barbecue enthusiasts who have long enjoyed the venue's ribs, brisket, and casual, large-space dining experience.
Dwindling Footprint
With the closure of its Brooklyn location, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que now operates just five restaurants, all within New York state. The chain, once boasting 10 locations across the Northeast, including spots in Connecticut, New Jersey, Chicago, and Baltimore, has seen a gradual retreat from out-of-state and New York City markets. The chain has been downsizing steadily for years, with the latest closure reducing its footprint to half of what it once was.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, which started as a mobile concession at motorcycle rallies in 1988, grew into a regional favorite. Its first location in Syracuse, New York, opened in 1988, and its second outlet, in Rochester, followed a decade later. Despite its rich history and loyal fan base, the restaurant has struggled in recent years, culminating in the closure of its Brooklyn location.
The Brooklyn outlet, which opened around 2011, became a beloved destination for many. The lease ending was cited as a reason for the closure, along with the need for the renovation of the building. The restaurant management stated that gift cards would still be honored.
Community Response
The closure has sparked outrage among Brooklyn locals, who have expressed their frustration and sadness over the loss of a beloved dining spot. The restaurant's closure, which was announced via the restaurant's Facebook page, left many fans heartbroken. The announcement read, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of our Brooklyn location." The post continued, "We have cherished every moment of serving you and are deeply grateful for your support over the years. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding".
"Dinosaur Bar-B-Que was a staple in our community," said one local resident. "It was a place where families could gather, and friends could meet. We're going to miss it dearly."
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Brooklyn is closing after 15 years in Gowanus. The restaurant was known for its inviting outdoor seating area, offering a casual and comfortable dining experience.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que's remaining locations include spots in Harlem, Buffalo, Rochester, Troy, and Syracuse. Despite the loss of the Brooklyn location, the chain continues to operate in its home state. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, which has a rich history and a loyal fan base, remains a beloved institution in New York.
The closure of the Brooklyn location leaves many questions about the future of the chain. Only time can tell if Dinosaur Bar-B-Que will continue to struggle or if it will find a way to revitalize its operations and expand once again. Brooklyn residents will have to wait and see what the future holds for their beloved barbecue spot.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que's closure in Brooklyn is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the restaurant industry, especially in the wake of the pandemic. The chain's downsizing and eventual closure of its Brooklyn location highlight the difficulties of maintaining a presence in competitive markets and the need for adaptability in a changing landscape.
With five locations still standing, the future of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the chain's legacy in New York will not be forgotten. Brooklyn residents will continue to miss their beloved barbecue spot, but the memories of the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que will live on in the hearts of those who loved it.
