In a seemingly struggling Long Beach barbecue scene, Axiom BBQ has announced a temporary shutdown amid a disheartening search for a permanent home. According to Long Beachize, Qiana Mafnas, co-founder of the pop-up barbecue business, cited insufficient foot traffic and location issues as key reasons for the closure. "We're just not getting the numbers," Qiana openly stated, addressing the challenges they've faced including the absence of a dedicated space for customers to enjoy their meals accompanied by a drink.

The decision to halt operations follows an exhausting year of space hunting, where Mafnas and her husband Ian have actively engaged with multiple landlords across the city. Despite this, they have faced an uphill battle in establishing a brick-and-mortar presence due to various deterrents. These include difficulties in negotiating with property owners on necessary upgrades and navigating the labyrinth of permitting. "We refuse to give up for now," Qiana affirmed in a hopeful tone, signaling their unwavering determination amid adversity. In a recent Facebook post, she extended heartfelt holiday wishes to their "Axiom fam," old and new, and reassured them that Axiom BBQ will return for the BBQ festival in May.

The duo had not only gained a loyal following for their Texas-style barbecue but had also contributed richly to the fabric of Long Beach's culinary scene. Mafnas, as part of a Black and Chamorro husband-and-wife team, have surmounted personal challenges to establish a reputable pop-up that reflected the diversity and resilience of their community. They leveraged their journey from addiction to recovery as a source of inspiration, both working in social services to aid others before founding Axiom BBQ. "We knew the time wasn’t right and that we weren’t treating ourselves right — even though he’s been trying to marry me for a decade," Qiana shared with a chuckle, as reported by Long Beachize.