In a smoke cloud of disappointment for meat lovers, Wade BBQ, a Union Square staple known for its smoked meats and sides, is shutting its doors, at least for now. Chef David Wade, a Dorchester native who planted his culinary flag in the heart of Boston's BBQ map about six months ago, is facing the harsh reality of a lease not renewed, as reported by Boston.com. The closure comes amid long-standing ventilation problems and complaints from neighboring tenants, culminating in Wade's last service slated for this week.

Wade BBQ's exit delivers a blow not just to fans of what the restaurant's own website touts as "authentic, mouth-watering, Boston-style BBQ" but also to the local workforce, with 13 employees in limbo until a new spot for the eatery is found, Wade BBQ notes the impact is going to be very negatively impactful for the very small business and, the staff at an unfortunate time right ahead of their busy season.

The issue of smoke trickling into neighboring businesses had already forced Wade to creatively adapt by relocating his smoking process outdoors, which inadvertently boosted the customer flow – the irresistible draw of the smoke's aroma acting as a savory siren song, David Wade shared in a statement obtained by Boston.com. Nevertheless, against the vicissitudes of wind and other tenants' grievances, Wade BBQ's fate was sealed with the dismissal of its lease by EJH Realty LLC, the property owners.

Faced with his lease's termination notice after ongoing disputes about the barbecue smoke, plaguing neighboring tenants, David Wade is scrambling to relocate and keep his flame alive, he's in the process of searching for a new location preferably to remain a feature of Union Square's vibrant food scene he still hopes to serve his dream of Boston barbecue to the supportive local community, Wade told Boston.com. Amid this forced relocation, Wade stands resolute in his goal to reignite his operation and sustain the community spirit that has so far emboldened his journey.