Long Island City BBQ enthusiasts, take note! John Brown Smokehouse, a celebrated name in New York City’s barbecue scene renowned for its Kansas City-style flavors, has recently announced a significant change. After eight years at its 44th Drive location, John Brown Bbq is moving to a new spot in Long Island City. Fans of John Brown BBQ need not worry, however, as this isn’t a farewell but a relocation to ensure the continuation of their beloved BBQ offerings.
The move will see John Brown BBQ take over the premises of its sister restaurant, Mothership Meat Company, situated on the northern side of Long Island City. Mothership Meat Company, which specialized in Texas-style barbecue, had previously closed its doors in March due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This strategic shift allows John Brown BBQ to maintain its operations in a new space while remaining within the Long Island City neighborhood.
Alt text: A mouthwatering platter of John Brown BBQ ribs accompanied by classic barbecue side dishes, showcasing the delicious Kansas City-style barbecue that John Brown BBQ is known for.
According to pitmaster and partner Josh Bowen in a statement to NYC BBQ, the primary drivers behind the relocation are the considerable slowdown in business since the pandemic’s onset and the expiration of the lease at the current 44th Drive location. Faced with these challenges, moving to the Mothership Meat Company location became the most viable path forward.
Bowen explained the situation, stating, “At John Brown, we’re not making jack. We’re open purely so the employees can have money and we can say that we’re open… But our street is a ghost town now.” This candid statement highlights the difficult circumstances many restaurants have faced and the necessity for John Brown BBQ to adapt.
The decision to close Mothership Meat Company earlier in the year was unexpected, but the prolonged pandemic situation made operating two restaurants unsustainable. John Brown Smokehouse, with its stronger established reputation, was prioritized as the brand to continue. “With Mothership not doing as well as John Brown, I wasn’t even willing to give it a go,” Bowen elaborated. “This idea has been floating around for a while and we own the Mothership building, so this made the most sense… Mothership basically came to this world and said, ‘this place is insane and I’m getting out of here.'”
In conclusion, while change is on the horizon for John Brown BBQ with this location shift, the heart of this popular Kansas City BBQ joint remains firmly in Long Island City. BBQ lovers can anticipate enjoying their favorite John Brown BBQ dishes at the new location, ensuring that this New York City BBQ staple continues to serve the community.
