Gaston County’s R.O.’s Bar-B-Cue, a local favorite for traditional Southern barbecue, will close this Saturday, after 80 years. The restaurant cited economic challenges in a Facebook post as the reason for shutting down.
The family-owned restaurant, a community staple since 1946, thanked its customers for eight decades of support, according to The Gaston Gazette. Despite closing, its popular slaw and pimento cheese products will continue to be sold in retail stores.
Founded by Robert Osy Black and his wife Mary “Pearl” Black, R.O.’s Bar-B-Cue has served the community for over seven decades, with its original coleslaw recipe unchanged. The owners called the closure a “difficult decision” but affirmed their commitment to quality, as noted in QC News.
While the future of the restaurant is uncertain, the owners expressed optimism about expanding their retail products. “We see this as a chance to grow this side of our business and hope to serve you even more in the coming years,” they said, according to QC News. CharlotteFive contacted the restaurant for comment but had not received a response, reported The Charlotte Observer.
R.O.’s Bar-B-Cue has served generations of customers. Although the restaurant will close, its culinary legacy will continue through products sold in grocery stores.
