Durham’s Backyard BBQ Pit Nearing Closure as Rising Costs Threaten Local Icon

DURHAM, NC – One of Durham’s most beloved barbecue spots—known as much for its heart as its signature smoked meats—may soon close its doors, leaving a gap not just in the food scene, but in the community it has served for nearly two decades.

Backyard BBQ Pit Facing Possible Closure

Backyard BBQ Pit, a longtime Durham staple located at 5122 NC Hwy 55, could close by the end of April, according to owner Angela McLean.

McLean, who took over the restaurant in 2023, says she is hoping to sell the business and preserve its legacy, but ongoing financial pressures may force a permanent closure if a buyer is not secured.

If it closes, Backyard would mark the loss of one of the few Black-owned barbecue restaurants in North Carolina.

Economic Challenges Continue to Mount

Like many small businesses, Backyard has struggled under the weight of a shifting economy.

McLean pointed to rising food costs and declining consumer spending as key factors.

“People are having to choose between buying a meal or putting gas in their car,” she said.

The restaurant previously launched a $50,000 GoFundMe campaign in 2023, highlighting the financial strain it has been under in recent years.

From Humble Beginnings to National Recognition

Backyard Barbecue Pit was founded in 2007 by Fabianne and Melvin Simmons, who purchased a struggling restaurant along NC Highway 55 and turned it into a community favorite.

Built on traditional, slow-cooked barbecue over wood coals, the restaurant quickly gained both local loyalty and national attention, including features in:

• “Man v. Food”

• Southern Living

• National Geographic (2023)

Inside, the walls became a living scrapbook—signed by customers and visitors over the years, including notable names like Clay Aiken.

More Than a Restaurant—A Community Hub

For the Simmons family, Backyard was never just about food.

“We took pride in everything we did; customer service was the main thing for us,” said Fabianne Simmons. “If they didn’t have money, we still allowed them to eat… It was the community’s hole in the wall.”

The restaurant became known for:

• Feeding customers even when they couldn’t pay

• Building relationships with loyal regulars

• Serving as a welcoming, neighborhood gathering space

Loyal Customers Still Showing Support

Even through ownership changes and operational challenges, Backyard maintained a strong base of loyal regulars.

McLean says those relationships are what made the experience meaningful.

“I love my customers, especially my regulars who were coming here before I took over,” she said. “This is not an open-a-bag and microwave kind of restaurant—we make everything from scratch.”

Future Uncertain, But Hope Remains

While closure is possible by the end of April, McLean says no final date has been set as she continues to look for a buyer.

Meanwhile, original owner Fabianne Simmons has expressed interest in possibly returning to help revive the business.

“For an establishment like Backyard, it’s an icon,” she said. “It’s very heartbreaking… I would love to see it blossom all over again.”

Conclusion

The potential closure of Backyard BBQ Pit is more than a business story—it’s a reflection of the pressures facing small, culturally significant establishments across the country. As Durham continues to grow and evolve, the future of this local icon now hangs in the balance.

Feature image: Discover Durham